South American Futbol - Libertadores, Sudamericana, World Cup 2010

The Brazilian league is undoubtably the world´s top league when it comes to the production of talented players, that go on to become household names in the elite leagues of European football. The amount of talent that emerges from the country is quite simply mindblowing, but although fresh talent is generally what catches the eye, this trend has changed somewhat this season, as a number of veterans, including many who have returned to Brazil after finding wide success in Europe, have rediscovered their best form.

In my opinion, below are the Top.10 players of the 2009 Brazilian championship:

10. Iarley (Goias) Another veteran who has been on top of his game this season. The former Boca Juniors attacker has been a constant menace for opposing defences this season and has linked up well with Fernandao (former Internacional team-mate). With exceptional dribbling accuracy and sheer determination he has helped Goias have one of the most dangerous attacks in the league. His experience has  also been valuable for the side, as he has helped several of the squad´s younger players work themselves into the first team.

9. Diego Tardelli (Atletico Mineiro) The striker shares top spot of the scoring charts with Adriano, after experiencing perhaps the best season of his career after maturing during brief stints in Europe. Tardelli is a very capable player, who not only finishes off attacking moves, but also sets them up. His goal scoring prowess caught the attention of Brazil coach Dunga, who gave him an opportunity. Tardelli continues to have an outside chance of making Brazil´s squad for the 2010 World Cup, even if he faces stiff competition.

8. Ronaldo (Corinthians) When you consider the fact that Ronaldo has been out for much of the season, but has still managed to score 12 goals, you can understand why he will remain in the history books for being one of the most prolific strikers that the game has ever seen. When he is on the field Ronaldo guarantees goals, and if he hadn´t experienced so many injury setbacks he surely would have ended the season on top of the scoring charts. Some of the goals that he has scored have been absolutely sensational.

7. Diego Souza (Palmeiras) The 24-year-old midfielder was outstanding for Palmeiras for much of the season, but when he earned a place in Dunga´s Brazil squad it seemed to be too much pressure to handle, and the player has not been able to produce his best football ever since. However, in recent weeks Diego Souza has shown an improvement, and this has helped Palmeiras´ title charge. What has particularly caught the eye is the way he moves to the attack with a great deal of authority and also his venomous long-range shot.

6. Leo Moura (Flamengo) The right wingback has proved to be a valuable asset for Flamengo this season, especially for his defensive game, and the way he speeds forward to the attack from the flanks. Leo has played for all four of Rio de Janeiro´s big clubs (Flamengo, Vasco, Fluminense and Botafogo), but has only made one appearance for the Brazilian national team. The experienced 31-year-old is a determined player, who is also very skilful when on the ball, even if he is better known for his passing and crossing.

5. Miranda (Sao Paulo) Widely considered the best centre-back in Brazil, Miranda has everything what it takes to be an instant success at a top European club. Despite ongoing interest from Europe, Miranda has stayed loyal to his club and this has helped cement himself a place in the Brazilian national team. Brazil have produced highly talented defenders over the years, and Miranda promises to be a key member of the national team for many years to come. He will surely be part of the Brazilian delegation in South Africa 2010.

4. Dejan Petkovic (Flamengo) At 37 years of age nobody expected the Serb to make such an impact on his return to Flamengo. But Petkovic has been on top of his game, taking control of a Flamengo side who had struggled to find their feet. Petkovic´s dead ball accuracy has been the reason for a number of Adriano´s goals. Having played for seven different clubs in his adopted country since 1997, Petkovic will remain in the history books for being one of the most successful foreigners to have played in Brazil. A championship medal with Flamengo would be the icing on the cake.

3. Pablo Guinazu (Internacional) The Argentine has been arguably the most consistent player in the Brasileiro this season, because of his work ethic and efficiency. He is a tough tackler in the midfield and also helps out in the attack. The player´s temperament is also impressive, as although he is usually in the thick of the action, he knows how to control himself. His leadership skills have also helped him make a name for himself in rival territory. Guinazu is much of the reason why Inter are still in the title race with only one round to play.

2. Hernanes (Sao Paulo) Sao Paulo´s main inspiration is a class act, and is destined to have a bright future at one of Europe´s top clubs in the near future (he already rejected offers to join AC Milan and Barcelona). Hernanes is perhaps the most technically gifted player in the Brazilian league, and this has helped Sao Paulo continue their domination. Not only is Hernanes good on the ball, orchestrates attacks, and positions himself well on the field, but he also gets forward regularly, even if he is more of a provider than a goal scorer.

1. Adriano (Flamengo) With 19 goals to his name this season, Adriano is the odds on favourite to finish as the league´s top scorer. After suffering from serious personal problems, the former Inter Milan superstar found a team who understood his situation, and this helped him recover and have one of the most successful seasons in his entire career. Adriano´s eye for goal is just incredible, and his form is the main reason why Flamengo are just a win away from claiming their first title since 1992.

Question: Do you agree with the top.10?

Gregory Sica

Southamericanfutbol.com