In a year when the FIFA World Cup will head to South American shores what better time to take a look at some of the best South Americans in world football right now:
Lionel Messi-Barcelona & Argentina
Still the darling of world football, the little Argentinian seems to have come right back into form following his injury plagued start to the season and will look to strengthen Barcelona’s push for the Spanish title before switching his focus to Argentina and their long wait to add to their triumph at the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico. If anyone can eclipse Maradona and singlehandedly drive Argentina on to glory it’s Messi.
FC Barcelona v Real Betis Balompie – Liga BBVA
Neymar-Barcelona & Brazil
Another Barcelona player to have endured a stop-start season following his move from Santos last summer which was not helped by the recent furore over the financial issues involved in that transfer. However, Neymar has responded with some fantastic goals and on the international stage now has 30 goals for Brazil in just 47 appearances. Critics will want him to show that he deserves his place at the top table this summer by winning the World Cup for Brazil.
Sergio Aguero-Manchester City & Argentina
Yet another player to have endured an injury-hit season, the Manchester City hit-man has also incurred the wrath of his father-in-law Diego Maradona off the pitch, following his break up with Maradona’ daughter. He will be looking for a strong finish to the season in both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League before looking to add to his 21 international goals this summer.
Luiz Suarez-Liverpool & Uruguay
The controversial Uruguayan has shown this season that he does belong at the very highest level and his goals and attacking play have driven his club Liverpool into unexpected territory at the top of the Premier League table. Suarez will be looking to maintain his form and link up with international team-mate Edinson Cavani to devastating effect in Brazil.
Thiago Silva-Paris Saint-Germain & Brazil
Captain of club and country, Thiago Silva will shoulder much of the pressure and responsibility a home World Cup brings this year and he will be looking to provide the solidity at the back enabling the Brazilian flair to come to the fore. The former AC Milan man will be hopeful of lifting the FIFA World Cup on the 13th July in Rio de Janeiro, his birthplace. The excitement continues to build as the World Cup tournament gets ever nearer and soon we will not only see the best South Americans in world football but the very best players in the whole world.