The best players from the continent in the game.Luis Suarez has scored his first goal for FC Barcelona – admittedly against the Indonesia Under-19s – and as a result CaughtOffside thought it was a good time to pick out the 10 best South Americans in world football currently.
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Luis Suarez first Barcelona goal.
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10. Alexis Sanchez, Arsenal and Chile
Just edging in ahead of the likes of Edinson Cavani, Juan Cuadrado and Javier Mascherano is the Gunners’ new £35m signing, who has started solidly in English football and could be the top-class injection the Premier League club needs.
9. James Rodriguez, Real Madrid and Colombia
After just one year with AS Monaco the attacking midfielder was snapped up by Madrid for £63m after an impressive 2014 World Cup in Brazil that saw the 23-year-old win the Golden Boot.
8. Thiago Silva, Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil
Captain for both club and country, whilst the Brazilians are famed for their attacking flair this centre-back offers solidity and composure in defence which has proven a saving grace on more than one occasion.
7. Sergio Aguero, Manchester City and Argentina
Troubled by injuries this Citizens forward remains one of the most prolific scorers in the world when he is on the pitch and has been one of the best players in the English top tier since his move from Atletico Madrid in 2011.
6. Arturo Vidal, Juventus and Chile
To many this Juve star is the best box-to-box midfielder in the game currently and since moving to Serie A from Bayer Leverkusen three years ago he has secured Scudetto titles every season.
5. Radamel Falcao, Manchester United and Colombia
Much to many peoples’ surprise this striker also left Monaco this summer and completed a deadline day loan move to Old Trafford where the 28-year-old is yet to score his first goal for his new club.
4. Neymar, FC Barcelona and Brazil
Usually the Samba Boys would dominate lists like these, but as their 7-1 demolition at the World Cup showed this is not a strong Brazilian team currently, although Neymar remains a top-class performer.
3. Angel di Maria, Manchester United and Argentina
Another new signing for the Red Devils now with di Maria becoming the most expensive player in British history upon completing his £59.7m move from the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu and the midfielder has impressed already.
2. Luis Suarez, FC Barcelona and Uruguay
Became the third most expensive player in history this summer after leaving Liverpool for the Nou Camp in a £75m deal (although some reports value it nearer to £65m), but Suarez can’t make his debut until October 26 due to a biting ban.
1. Lionel Messi, FC Barcelona and Argentina
To many the Argentine is still the best player in the world – although Cristiano Ronaldo currently holds the Ballon d’Or – and Messi’s goalscoring record for Barca over the past few years has been extraordinary.