6 South American stars who could move to Europe next

Europe got their first look at Palmeiras and Brazil’s Endrick during the FIFA schedule and loved it, scoring stunning goals against both England and Spain. He will of course move to Real Madrid in the summer and Europe can enjoy him every week.

Besides him, there were other South Americans who crossed the Atlantic on behalf of their national teams. Several players are attracting attention and could be nurturing hopes of earning a move to Europe’s top clubs.

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John Arias, 26, midfielder, Fluminense / Colombia

At the top of the list is Arias, who played in the team’s wins against Spain and Romania, scoring in the latter. It is perhaps surprising that he is still in South America, where last year he was an outstanding player for Brazilian side Fluminense, the reigning continental champions. Although Manchester City outperformed the team overall in the FIFA Club World Cup final, Arias stood out in the loss and set up a fight against a prestigious opponent.

What makes Arias particularly interesting is its versatility. He can play either in a 4-3-3 midfield or front trio, as a winger or as an all-round attack-oriented midfielder. Stocky and small, he is strong on the ball, turns well, combines well, runs towards the defense and is not only able to score but also set up goals.

Perhaps his age is against him. The 26-year-old was snapped up by Fluminense from a relative unknown in Colombian football. But he is now at his peak, and his recent performances with the Colombian national team have boosted his confidence and made him believe he is not out of place among the elite.

Richard Rios, 23, midfielder, Palmeiras / Colombia

Another Brazil-based Colombian player who is progressing rapidly is a midfielder with an interesting background. Rios is a futsal player who was discovered by Rio’s Flamengo while playing in an international tournament. They moved him to 11-a-side matches and loaned him to Mexico, where his progress was interrupted by injury.

Frustrated by his lack of opportunities upon his return to Brazil, he canceled his contract with Flamengo and moved to Guaraní, a traditional team from the struggling state of São Paulo. He distinguished himself at the regional championship early last year, was picked up by local powerhouse Palmeiras and was brought on in the final position, playing a key role in the club’s Brazilian Serie A title.

At the unlikely age of 23, he forced his way into the national team as a strong candidate to be the revelation of the season. Those two games were his best games in a Colombia uniform. He came on at half-time against Spain, playing wide on the right flank and catching dangerous left-back Alejandro Grimaldo. He played the full game against Romania, setting up Arias’ goal with a cross from the right, and also pushing into the middle to keep it. Long-legged and dynamic, he looks like he has an interesting future ahead of him.

Bento, 24 years old, goalkeeper, Atlético Paranaense / Brazil

Injuries to Alisson and Ederson forced Brazil to play as a rookie keeper in high-pressure games against England and Spain, but Bento overcame the challenge in style. Brazil is a breeding ground for goalkeepers, and Atlético Paranaense boasts an especially impressive record. Their newest product, his 24-year-old Bento, is tall, athletic, solid, and smart.

Against England, he was probably criticized for not getting off his line enough to deal with the cross, but at least his option to stay on the line was decisive. However, against Spain, he had many opportunities to showcase his virtues as a shot-stopper, making a series of reflexive saves to keep his team in the game even when they were on the verge of being overrun.

Athletico were already hoping to sign Bento soon. As he achieved good results with the national team, his salary definitely increased.

Fabricio Bruno, 28, CB, Flamengo / Brazil

Ahead of Bento, centre-back Bruno has also made a good start to his international career. At 28 years old, his options are limited, but Marseille are reportedly interested in signing him from Brazilian side Flamengo.

Bruno isn’t particularly elegant or gifted with his touch, but his combination of size and speed makes him stand out. He is big and can move quickly across the ground, earning him special praise from Luis Suarez after the great Uruguayan striker faced him during his time at Gremio last year. Spain’s three goals on Tuesday were the first conceded this year by Bruno’s side.

Luciano Rodriguez, 20, FW, Liverpool / Uruguay

Rodríguez only played a few minutes as a substitute in Uruguay’s 2-1 loss to Ivory Coast, but he played the entirety of the unofficial match against the Basque Country a few days earlier and was not included. I’m sure there will be plenty of opportunities. More from him in a sky blue shirt.

Although his nickname “Uruguayan Mbappe” is an exaggeration, the powerful striker was the star of Uruguay’s under-20 team that won last year’s World Cup, scoring the winning goal in the final against Italy. Incredibly strong, Rodriguez is able to play in wide spaces but also has the complexity to break through the middle.

For a player who spent 2022 in Uruguay’s second division, he has made remarkable progress. Last year, he also helped small club Liverpool from Montevideo win their first national title. He also has interest from Citigroup, but should face plenty of competition in the summer.

James Rodriguez, 32, AM, Sao Paulo/Colombia

We probably haven’t seen the last of the Colombian player in European club football, especially in La Liga. Ten years after his star performance at the 2014 World Cup, Rodriguez is currently in Brazil, but his relationship with Sao Paulo has not been easy.

Frustrated by the lack of opportunities, he considered canceling his contract earlier this year. On the other hand, his appearance with the Colombian national team was solemn. His appearance at half-time changed the game against Spain last week, and against Romania he orchestrated the play from deep in great style. When asked about his future, he made no attempt to hide his desire to return to Spain, so even at 32, Rodriguez’s nomadic career has the potential for more adventures in Europe. be.