For a football club that has supporters all over the world, unparalleled success for a British club in Europe and that has boasted some of the greatest players to ever grace the game, Liverpool FC has had a surprisingly small number of South American players. Surprising, because South America is, in many ways, the continent of football.
European countries may have more World Cup titles to their names, but this overlooks the vast disparity in resources which these two continents herald: one would expect Europe to dominate on this front. However, that being said, it is a closer contest than one may expect; European countries have won 11 World Cups to South America's 9.
Add to this the fact that the three best footballers of all time - Pelé, Maradona, Messi - are South American and it becomes clear that this continent is a footballing giant. Hence, one would perhaps expect Liverpool FC to have had more players from this part of the World. LFC did not actually have a South American in their ranks until 2005 when Mauricio Pellegrino followed Rafael Benitez from Valencia. This lack of South American influence at LFC is all the more surprising given the club's reach and following on the continent: there even happens to be a Liverpool Fútbol Club in Montevideo, Uruguay...
The small number of South Americans that have worn the Red Jersey, have, however, had a big impact on Merseyside. Here is a look at the top 5 South American Reds.
Number 5: Fabio Aurelio
Fabio was the first Brazilian player to pull on the famous Red shirt and his arrival triggered somewhat of a domino effect; following his presence on Merseyside Lucas Levia, Diego Cavalieri, Doni, Coutinho, Firmino and Allan Rodrigues de Souza have swelled the Brazilian-Liverpool ranks.
The left-back may have been plagued by injuries at Anfield, but when fit he was a very effective operator. He was competent defensively and audacious when in attack. He was also capable of delivering a good delivery, both from set-pieces and from open play. I am thinking of the cross he played in which Fernando Torres redirected into the net via a superb header against Chelsea at Anfield in the 2008/09 season.
It was two free-kicks, however, which secured his place in my top 5 South American Reds. The first was his sublimely executed curler into the top corner which contributed to Liverpool romping Manchester United 4-1 at Old Trafford; Van der Sar was rooted to the spot. The second of these free-kick specialities was his inventive, original, unique, audacious effort against Chelsea in the Champions League Quarter Final of the same season. The Brazilian shaped as if to cross, forcing Petr Čech to position himself in such a fashion which left a sizeable gap of his goal unattended. Fabio simply guided the ball into the unoccupied corner, stunning Stamford Bridge.
Number 4: Lucas Leiva
Continuing the Brazilian influence is Lucas Leiva in 4th position. I agonised over this position, and a part of me feels Lucas should perhaps be higher in the ranking than 4th. His influence at Liverpool has been significant, a true team-player, a true Red.
Bought from Brazilian side Grêmio, he was initially utilised as an attacking midfielder as this was the position in which he excelled for the Brazil youth teams, whom he had captained at various stages.
After struggling in his attacking berth, Benitez reinvented the Brazilian as a defensive midfielder and he has never looked back. He has been as resolute and sturdy as he has been calm and influential in possession for the Reds. A real stalwart who has provided much needed equilibrium in various Liverpool sides over recent years. His discipline and reading of the game has enabled Liverpool's more creative midfielders to play their games freely.
Number 3: Philippe Coutinho
The Little Magician fills the number 3 berth, securing this position on the back of a multi-award winning year at Anfield. Since the Brazilian's arrival (yes another Brazilian player in the top 5!) he has been on a steady trajectory of continual improvement.
He played an important role in supplying Suaréz, Sturridge and co. in the 2013/14 season, his contribution centred mainly on suppling such players with goal-scoring opportunities. For the previous two seasons, however, el Magico has greatly improved his own goal-scoring record; his goals also seem to be consistently brilliant.
My two favourite Coutinho goals are both ones which he scored against clubs from Manchester. The first against the blue half: on one of the most important Anfield fixtures in recent memory, Coutinho rescued three points for the Reds when it seemed they had thrown them away. After going 2-0 up in the first half, it was wrenching to witness us concede 2 second half goals and, in the process, seemingly throw away the chance to take league title destiny into our own hands. The Brazilian play-maker capitalised on a City defence mistake and executed an exceptional shot which marauded past Joe Hart and rippled the Red net. He wasn't even facing the direction of the goal when he made connection...
The second goal was away from Anfield against the Red half of Manchester in this season's Europa League. After United had found their way back into the tie via a penalty, Coutinho reinstated LFC's ascendancy with an excellent solo goal: he found space on the left channel, slalomed past United's full-back and chipped past De Gea to silence Old Trafford, well make it a little more silent. The quarter finals and Borussia Dortmund awaited.
Number 2: Javier Mascherano
At number 2, it is a former Argentinian Red to balanced up the Brazilian dominance so far. Javier Mascherano is, in my opinion, one of the most underrated Liverpool FC players of all time. Tenacious in the tackle, energetic in his pressing and measured when in possession; he would fit in well to a Jürgen Klopp team...
I am of the opinion that Xabi Alonso was able to utilise his full creative potential in the pivot role due to Mascherano's tenacity. The Argentinian broke up opposition attacks, covered his defenders and prevented dangerous counter attacks from punishing the Reds. This enabled Alonso to get on the ball and service Gerrard and Torres.
The Argentinian is also an exceptionally clever players, as well as being full of energy and a committed midfield general. His reinvention as a centre-back at Barcelona is testimony to this intelligence.
Number 1: Luis Suaréz
Apologies for the predictability of the number 1 position, but there is no way to escape it. Luis Suaréz is one of the finest players to have ever graced the game, never mind Anfield. But his time on Merseyside was full of goals, audacity, hard-work and formidable skill.
The Uruguayan used ever single blade of Anfield grass and helped to spearhead a genuine title charge in 2013/14. He excelled in almost every fashion: scoring headers, scoring with his right foot, his left, from range, from in the box, dispatching free-kicks.
His partnership with Daniel Sturridge gave Liverpool an exceptional cutting edge, and, as a result, the Reds often won games by ridiculous score-lines. Even on days when he didn't score, Suaréz helped lead the Red charge: he was crucial in our 5-1 demolition of Arsenal without scoring a goal.
For these reasons, he occupies the top spot.