Brazil is arguably the greatest nation in the history of football. It’s hard to argue – with five World Cup trophies and nine Copa America titles to their name, Brazil have had several eras of dominance across history.
In recent years, however, the Samba Boys have not been quite as successful as they once were. Their decline has been a steady one, beginning in 2014 – but they still have some excellent players at their disposal.
Today, we’ll be looking at five of the best Brazilian players who currently play in the Premier League. They play for clubs such as Chelsea, Newcastle United and Arsenal – can you guess who we included?
Estevao
Estevao may not be one of the best Brazilian players in the Premier League at present, but we put him in our list due to his near-limitless potential in England’s top flight.
Despite being just 18 years of age, Estevao is already operating at an incredibly high level for Chelsea. Additionally, he has also already made his way into the Brazil senior team, winning nine caps and scoring three goals on the international stage.
Igor Thiago
Igor Thiago has taken the Premier League by storm as Brentford’s new star striker. With eight goals in 11 league games, only Erling Haaland has scored more in the Premier League this season.
He is the only player on our list who has yet to receive a call up to Brazil’s senior squad – nevertheless, should he keep performing to this standard, it is only a matter of time before Carlo Ancelotti gives Thiago the nod.
Gabriel
Gabriel has become a vital player for Arsenal over the last few seasons. A battling defender, he also offers a consistent goalscoring presence from set-pieces. Alongside William Saliba, they have formed arguably the best centre-back partnership in the world.
Imperious in the air, Gabriel certainly is not a traditional Brazilian footballer, but he adds physicality and ruggedness to the natural flair of their attacking stars.
Joao Pedro
Joao Pedro moved from Brighton to Chelsea in the summer – already, the 24 year old is starting to look like a very prudent acquistion by the Blues. He didn’t come cheap, costing Chelsea a tidy sum of £60 million, but they have certainly got their money’s worth out of him so far.
Naturally a striker, but finding his feet as a number ten, Pedro is an excellent scorer and creator of goals. So far this season, Joao Pedro has scored four goals and has set up a further three.
Bruno Guimaraes
This list is in no particular order – but nonetheless, we feel that Bruno Guimaraes is the best Brazilian player currently operating in the Premier League. A wonderful midfield player, Guimaraes has practically no weaknesses and can do anything you would expect from a world class central midfielder.
Alongside international compatriot Joelinton, Guimaraes has formed a formidable midfield partnership at the heart of Newcastle United’s squad. A brilliant passer of the ball and an indomitable runner when out of possession, Guimaraes would be fit to walk into almost any Brazil team.