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Why are South American players adapting to the Premier League more easily now?

Many years ago, South American players were the exception rather than the rule in the top flight ...



Why are South American players...
Off The Ball Radio

Why are South American players adapting to the Premier League more easily now?

Many years ago, South American players were the exception rather than the rule in the top flight of English football.

Yet in today's globalized Premier League, there is a large contingent of players from Brazil, Argentina and other nations across Latin America.

"I think the single most important delaying factor has been work permit restrictions whereby in order to play in England, you either have to have an EC passport or be a regular international for your national team which has restricted the flow greatly," said BBC South American expert Tim Vickery who said the knock on effect was that scouting networks in South America were generally fledgling until recently.

Tim also believes that clubs are improving at helping players to settle into a totally different culture. 

But he also feels that the financial gap between the Premier League and other European leagues means that England has become the favoured destination for players.

Tim also gave his take on the development of Sergio Aguero, who has been in blistering form for Manchester City, and touched on comparisons to Brazil legend Romario.

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