The unparalleled success of Alfredo Di Stéfano and Omar Sívori at Real Madrid and Juventus, respectively, expanded scouting networks into Argentina and consequently South America. 

Since then, the likes of Diego Maradona, Romário and Ronaldo have cemented a stereotype that South American footballers are technically superior. 

This list contains a majority of South Americans playing in Europe, but how many on the list play in South America?

Where does Neymar rank? No. 2? Or did I controversially leave him out?

Please read on to find out. 

Universidad De Chile: Eduardo Vargas

Position: Right forward 
Age: 22
Nationality: Chilean

One of the most incredible storylines of this year was Universidad de Chile becoming Chile's first ever Copa Sudamericana holder (South America's equivalent of the Europa League) and their subsequent 36-game unbeaten streak. 

Eduardo Vargas dominated the competition, scoring 11 goals in 12 games, and became Universidad de Chile's first Chilean footballer of the year in 11 years. 

This year, he has scored 28 goals in 46 games. 

Supposedly, Vargas is headed to Napoli; whatever spiel Aurelio De Laurentiis gave, he didn't mention that some of the Napoli stars have been targeted by Neapolitan criminals.  

Liverpool: Lucas

Position: Defensive midfielder
Age: 24
Nationality: Brazilian 

Once an easy target for the boo-boys and fodder for critics (myself included), Lucas, instead of giving up, dedicated every ounce of energy to give Liverpool an advantage on the pitch. 

Understanding his technical limitations, Lucas' determined displays are admirable. 

However, how debilitating will his ligament damage be to his exuberant tackle-happy playing style? 

Borussia Mönchengladbach: Dante

Position: Centre-back
Age: 28
Nationality: Brazilian

The only positive of John Terry being potentially suspended for eons is Chelsea will be forced to buy a centre-back.

It's impossible that Chelsea's extensive scouting network isn't familiar with Dante. 

He has been immense. 

In fact, I find it odd that he's having his best season, yet no one has uploaded a recent compilation of his remarkable defensive performances. 

He is main reason why Borussia Mönchengladbach have such a resilient defence. 

He is second only to Marco Reus as Mönchengladbach's most valuable player. 

Santos: Ganso

Position: Attacking midfielder
Age: 22
Nationality: Brazilian

Ganso is one of the most elegant footballers in the world. 

That being said, Tim Vickery at BBC has his concerns about the playmaker:

My cause for concern, then, comes from the fact that, so far, the pedestal on which Ganso is being placed is built of fairly flimsy material.

He looked a fine prospect in the 2009 Brazilian Championship, though he found it hard to impose himself on a consistent basis in that year's World Youth Cup.

His reputation, then, currently rests on his form in the first few months of 2010, when Santos won two titles.

Indeed, he was outstanding—but in weak competitions.

Of all Brazil's 27 state championships, the Sao Paulo one is the best. But that does not make it very good.

Porto: Hulk

Position: Centre forward
Age: 25
Nationality: Brazilian 

Hulk is my ideal forward—powerful, skillful and a team player.

Unlike Mário Jardel, who would shoot even if there were two men free, Hulk would find those players.

Some of his runs are reminiscent of Ronaldo during his Barcelona days.

Atlético Madrid: Falcao

Position: Centre forward
Age: 25
Nationality: Colombian 

There have been some great players named Falcao, like Falcão of Telê Santana's great 1982 FIFA World Cup squad and Falcão of futsal fame.  

Atlético Madrid's Falcao is a near perfect replacement for Sergio Agüero.

In fact, you can argue the Colombian is a clone, albeit a bit older. 

Lyon: Michel Bastos

Position: Left winger
Age: 28
Nationality: Brazilian 

Michel Bastos is one of the most dynamic wide players in world football. 

His technical prowess is something to admire, but I'd admire him more if he took a risk playing for a bigger club in a bigger league rather than stay with Lyon. 

Werder Bremen: Claudio Pizarro

Position: Centre forward
Age: 33
Nationality: Peruvian

This season, Claudio Pizarro has contributed to 60 percent of Werder Bremen's league goals, whether it be scoring himself or providing a goal. 

Incredible. 

If only he could have the same impact at Chelsea.  

Paris Saint-Germain: Javier Pastore

Position: Attacking midfielder
Age: 22
Nationality: Argentine 

Javier Pastore has justified his big move to Paris with some great performances. 

There are not many tall footballers with the skill and dribbling ability of a short footballer. 

Josip Iličić is the only other player that comes to mind. 

Surprisingly, Pastore isn't even the best South American footballer at the club. 

Liverpool: Luis Suárez

Position: Centre forward
Age: 24
Nationality: Uruguayan 

Luis Suárez has been burdened with an inept strike partner in Andy Carroll, who is so bad that he can't even play alongside Suárez to show how inept he is.  

Statistically, Suárez doesn't wow you, but keep in mind he has hit the woodworks five times. 

Assuming the FA won't cut the eight-game appeal, it will be interesting to see how much Liverpool miss Suárez.

Santos: Neymar

Position: Deep-lying forward
Age: 19
Nationality: Brazilian  

There is no doubt that Neymar is a modern day Garrincha.

It comes naturally to Neymar and his flair, swagger and confidence will put him in good stead. 

I would not suggest a move to Barcelona because he will not be given the freedom to roam around like Lionel Messi. 

What happens if Messi is starved off the ball because Neymar wants to get himself on the sports highlights? 

Real Madrid: Gonzalo Higuaín

Position: Centre forward
Age: 24
Nationality: Argentine

Gonzalo Higuaín's finishing has improved drastically, because he used to miss one-on-ones or would need several chances before scoring a goal. 

This season, he's been in top form when he starts, yet unsurprisingly he has only scored two goals in 14 games off the bench. 

The situation between him and Karim Benzema is a nightmare, yet José Mourinho has figured how to keep both players in good form, even though neither is an undisputed starter. 

Inter Milan: Lúcio

Position: Centre-back
Age: 33
Nationality: Brazilian 

Lúcio has been more wall-like than Walter "Il Muro (The Wall)" Samuel. 

The Brazilian has been ever so reliable since the departure of José Mourinho, since which Inter Milan has gone through three managers.

Barcelona: Dani Alves

Position: Right-wingback 
Age: 28
Nationality: Brazilian 

I should change Dani Alves' position to right forward because sometimes he plays like one. 

I used to be of the opinion that Alves was a weak defender, but he shut me up when he dominated Cristiano Ronaldo to the extent that the Portuguese switched flanks to get away from Alves. 

I was stunned. 

It was as if Alves's New Year's resolution for 2011 was to show the world he could defend in the biggest games. 

Sure enough, after his monumental defensive performances, he has reverted back to playing as a quasi-right forward. 

One thing that people take for granted is Alves' efficiency with the ball. 

Rarely does he waste an opportunity to score a goal or provide an assist. 

This year alone, Alves has provided a mind-numbing 22 assists. 

Paris Saint-Germain: Nenê

Position: Left winger
Age: 30
Nationality: Brazilian

There are a lot of similarities between Nenê and Alex of Fenerbahçe.

Nenê is playing so well that he's upstaging Javier Pastore. 

Unlike Alex, Nenê will become a household name because of Paris Saint-Germain's spending power and potential to become a European powerhouse. 

Real Madrid: Ángel Di María

Position: Right winger
Age: 23
Nationality: Argentine 

What makes  Ángel Di María such an invaluable member to a team is his ability to track back and forward press. 

Combined with his incisive passing, his vision and his ability to beat opposing players off the dribble—he's as complete as they get. 

Napoli: Edinson Cavani

Position: Centre forward
Age: 24
Nationality: Uruguayan

What separates Edinson Cavani from most forwards is his mental will and his ability to inspire his teammates to launch improbable comebacks. 

Coming back from 3-1 down to beat Lazio 4-3 springs to mind. 

A.C. Milan: Thiago Silva

Position: Centre-back
Age: 27
Nationality: Brazilian 

Thiago Silva has transitioned himself from an unknown and potential-bust footballer into one of the best centre-backs in the world. 

People often forget that Silva failed at Dynamo Moscow and Porto. 

Manchester City: Sergio Agüero

Position: 23
Age: Centre forward
Nationality: Argentine 

Sergio Agüero took four games to score six goals. Whereas Fernando Torres has taken 36 games to score five goals. 

Several years ago, Chelsea were so close to signing Agüero.

So close. 

Oh well...

Barcelona: Lionel Messi

Position: 24
Age: Deep-lying forward
Nationality: Argentine

Lionel Messi is the greatest player I have ever seen in my life (so far). 

It's an insult to even suggest Cristiano Ronaldo is anywhere near the level of Messi.

In 16 games against Real Madrid, Messi has scored 13 goals and provided eight assists.

Whereas in 13 games against Barcelona, Ronaldo has scored three goals and provided zero assists.

When it counts, Ronaldo chokes, whereas Messi doesn't. 

Your Opinion

There have been some notable exclusions from this list, so please comment below with the South American players you believe should be on the list.

Please also read Top 20 African Footballers of 2011.