When it comes to producing great players who go on to become household names in the top divisions of European football, the Brazilian league is without a doubt the best in the world. The amount of talent that comes out of this nation is simply astounding, but while new talent usually grabs the spotlight, this season has seen a change in the trend as many veterans, including many who have returned to Brazil after experiencing widespread success in Europe, have rediscovered their best form.
The players listed below, in my view, comprise the Top 10 in the 2009 Brazilian Championship:
10. Iarley (Goias) Another seasoned player who has excelled this year. This season, the former Boca Juniors forward has consistently threatened opposition defenses and has worked effectively with Fernandao (former Internacional team-mate). He has contributed to Goias having one of the league’s most dangerous offenses with his remarkable dribbling precision and unwavering tenacity. His expertise has also been helpful to the team since he has assisted some of the younger members of the group in breaking into the first team.
9. Diego Tardelli (Atletico Mineiro) The striker, who has perhaps had the finest season of his career after growing during brief stays in Europe, shares the top place on the scoring list with Adriano. A very skilled player, Tardelli not only completes aggressive movements but also sets them up. Brazil coach Dunga took notice of his goal-scoring prowess and gave him a chance. Despite facing heavy competition, Tardelli still has a remote chance of reaching Brazil’s World Cup roster in 2010.
8. Ronaldo (Corinthians) You can see why Ronaldo will go down in history as one of the most productive attackers the game has ever seen when you consider that he missed much of the season due to injury yet still managed to score 12 goals. Ronaldo is a goal-guaranteeing player when he is on the pitch, and if he hadn’t suffered so many physical setbacks, he undoubtedly would have finished the season atop the scoring rankings. He has scored several goals that are truly spectacular.
7. Diego Souza (Palmeiras) The 24-year-old midfielder led Palmeiras to a majority of the season’s victories, but after being selected for Dunga’s Brazil team, the pressure proved to be too much for him to bear, and he hasn’t been able to play to his greatest ability ever since. However, Diego Souza has improved recently, which has aided Palmeiras’ title challenge. He goes to the attack with a great degree of force, and his lethal long-range shot has captured the attention of many.
6. Leo Moura (Flamengo) This season, Flamengo’s right wingback has shown to be a vital asset, particularly for his defensive style and his quickness to attack from the sides. Leo has only played once for the Brazilian national team, although he has played for all four of Rio de Janeiro’s major teams (Flamengo, Vasco, Fluminense, and Botafogo). Although he is more recognized for his passing and crossing, the 31-year-old is a determined player who is also quite skilled when on the ball.
5. Miranda (Sao Paulo) Miranda, who is regarded as the greatest center defender in Brazil, possesses all the necessary skills to succeed right away at a premier European team. Miranda has remained devoted to his club despite persistent attention from Europe, which has helped him secure a spot on the Brazilian national squad. Over the years, Brazil has developed many extremely skilled defenders, and Miranda is expected to play an important role in the national team for a very long time. He will undoubtedly travel to South Africa in 2010 with the Brazilian delegation.
4. Dejan Petkovic (Flamengo) Nobody anticipated the Serb, who was 37 years old, would have such an impact upon his return to Flamengo. Petkovic, though, has been at the top of his game, taking charge of a Flamengo team that had been unable to establish their footing. Many of Adriano’s goals have been the result of Petkovic’s accurate dead-ball play. Since 1997, Petkovic has represented seven different teams in his new nation, and he will go down in history as one of the most productive foreign athletes to have ever played in Brazil. Flamengo winning a title would be the cherry on top.
3. Pablo Guinazu (Internacional) Due to his efficiency and work ethic, the Argentine has perhaps been the Brasileiro’s most reliable player this year. He assists in the attack and is a tenacious defender in the middle of the field. The player’s demeanor is especially noteworthy because, while frequently being in the center of the action, he maintains self-control. He has established a reputation for himself in opponent territory thanks to his leadership abilities. With just one round remaining, Inter is still in the championship chase in large part because of Guinazu.
2. Hernanes (Sao Paulo) The key motivation for Sao Paulo is a gentleman who will soon have a brilliant career at one of the best teams in Europe (he already rejected offers to join AC Milan and Barcelona). Hernanes has contributed to Sao Paulo’s continued dominance since he is perhaps the most technically skilled player in the Brazilian league. Hernanes is skilled with the ball, plans out assaults, and assumes favorable positions on the field. Despite being more of a supplier than a goal scorer, he still frequently advances upfield.
1. Adriano (Flamengo) Adriano, who has scored 19 goals so far this year, is the overwhelming favorite to win the league’s top scorer award. The former Inter Milan great experienced major personal issues, but after finding a squad that understood his predicament, he was able to rehabilitate and have one of his most successful seasons ever. Flamengo is one victory away from winning their first championship since 1992 thanks primarily to Adriano’s excellent play and eye for goal.
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