Blackburn, Chelsea, Global, Manchester City, Premier League, South America
Foreign ventures paying tropical dividends
The failure of South Americans to adjust to the climate – weather – and culture – the Premier League – has frequently put managers off purchasing players who have great talent but little stomach for a life in England. Yet the increased expenditure has somewhat reversed this belief and vindication was delivered in the opening [...]
The failure of South Americans to adjust to the climate – weather – and culture – the Premier League – has frequently put managers off purchasing players who have great talent but little stomach for a life in England. Yet the increased expenditure has somewhat reversed this belief and vindication was delivered in the opening round of matches by three goals from three players born in Brazil, Paraguay and Peru.
The fact they all arrived or have previously played for European clubs, rather than rolling up directly from South America, clearly assisted them but their adaptability and impact was impressive nonetheless. Geovanni secured Manchester City’s notable victory over West Ham, Roque Santa Cruz, more remarkably, surfaced from the substitutes’ bench and delivered a very English-style header to set Blackburn on the way to three points and Claudio Pizarro rescued Chelsea from a shock defeat at the hands of Birmingham.
Elano demonstrated a touch of Brazilian class and intimated throughout that he is worth all the £8m City offered Shakhtar Donetsk
Another distinguished performance from a Latin American also came from the West Ham-Manchester City encounter. Elano set-up the opening goal for Sven-Göran Eriksson’s side with a touch of Brazilian class and intimated throughout that he is worth all the £8m City offered Shakhtar Donetsk.
However, while the South American contingent unexpectedly starred, other new faces also began to make an impression. Olivier Kapo, Florent Malouda, David Healy, John Utaka and Rolando Bianchi all scored on their Premier League debuts, a particularly striking feat considering how so many foreigners have failed to impact on such a diverse league.
Have foreign players finally learned how to succeed, and indeed thrive, in the ever-demanding environment of the Premier League?
Are foreigners more adaptable now? Share your views by leaving a comment below.
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FYI
Geovanni came from Cruzerio which is a Brazilian club.
Or you could argue that it is the premiership that has changed possibly because of the influx of, undeniably, talented foreign players. Hence it is easier to adjust.
The Premiership is getting more like the european league style. Also it was a hot day and the overall pace of the game was slower, it’ll be interesting to see what they’re like over the X-mas period. I have no fear about Elano though, he’s just come from a climate thats colder than ours.
yes but he played for barca before that, whats your point?
the article does say has played or is playing for a european club