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Argentina has produced several world-class players over the years. Premier League fans have been fortunate to see some of the best-ever players from Argentina in action.
Fans have not been lucky enough to see Lionel Messi in England, but nonetheless English football has been graced by several top players from the South American nation.
The home of the legendary Diego Maradona, Argentinian football is renowned for its technique and efficiency. Although England is not the number one destination for players who have represented La Albiceleste, several top players have played for English teams in the past.
Let's take a look at Argentina's 5 greatest players in Premier League history.
Five greatest Argentine players to grace the Premier League
#5. Fabricio Coloccini - Newcastle United
Fabricio Coloccini signed for Newcastle United in 2008 from Deportivo La Coruna.
The Argentine defender went on to spend eight years with the Magpies, earning himself the status of cult hero. Coloccini made over 250 appearances for Newcastle over the course of his career.
Primarily a defender, Coloccini was widely regarded as one of the most consistent performers in the league's history. Often described as "Mr. Reliable," Coloccini was excellent in the air and showed incredible defensive acumen.
During his eight years with the club, Coloccini was one of the key members in taking his recently relegated side back into the Premier League. He went on to be named club captain in 2011 and is fondly remembered by The Toon as a club legend.
#4. Pablo Zabaleta - Manchester City, West Ham United
Pablo Zabaleta is one of the best defenders to have come from Argentina.
Zabaleta enjoyed a long and successful career with several clubs before announcing his retirement in 2020. The Argentina man made over 500 appearances for club and country and is regarded very highly by those who played alongside him.
Zabaleta was signed by Manchester City in 2008 and spent nine years with the Cityzens before moving to West Ham United in 2017. He is considered a modern-day Manchester City legend.
Zabaleta won two league titles with the Manchester outfit. He also won one FA Cup and two EFL Cups. Zabaleta has captained the side on occasion; a testament to his leadership qualities and ability.
With West Ham, Zabaleta made about 80 appearances before retiring in 2020. He also has 58 Argentina caps to his name.
#3. Javier Mascherano - West Ham United, Liverpool
Javier Mascherano is one of the most loved footballers in Liverpool's history.
Mascherano represented West Ham United for a year before joining Liverpool in 2007. He was a Liverpool player for three years, providing much-needed stability to their midfield.
Mascherano excelled in his defensive midfield role. He was extremely intelligent and hard-working and could often be seen setting up the play for the midfield line ahead of him.
The Argentine made 139 appearances for Liverpool, most notably finishing as the runner-up in the UEFA Champions League in 2007. He went on to join Barcelona in 2010, where he won several trophies and etched his name into club folklore.
Mascherano boasts an impressive record for his country as well. He has made 147 appearances for La Albiceleste, second only to Lionel Messi. Mascherano also served as their captain between 2008 and 2011.
Mascherano announced his retirement in November 2020.
#2. Carlos Tevez - West Ham, Man United, Man City
Carlos Tevez is one of Argentina's all-time great players.
The Argentine spent a considerable chunk of his career in the Premier League. Tevez played for three different English clubs: West Ham, Manchester United and Manchester City, for a combined seven years.
Tevez was known for his tenacity and strength in attack. Though Tevez was a striker, he was also more than capable of playing as a winger. His time with West Ham was considered his career's breakout period, as Tevez established himself as one of the league's best strikers.
His efforts earned him a move to Premier League heavyweights Manchester United in 2007. Tevez formed a deadly strike partnership with the likes of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo and went on to win two Premier Leagues, one UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Barely two years later, Tevez made a shocking move to local rivals Manchester City. His move triggered uproar throughout England and he was branded a traitor. The criticism didn't seem to weigh him down though; Tevez spent four successful years on the blue side of Manchester.
He won a Premier League title and an FA Cup during his time with the Cityzens, before leaving England for Juventus in 2013.
#1. Sergio Aguero - Manchester City
Sergio Aguero is one of Manchester City's greatest modern-day legends.
The striker signed from Atletico Madrid in 2011 and enjoyed 10 successful years with the outfit. He won several trophies during his time with the club and also broke numerous individual records.
Known for his impeccable finishing, Sergio 'Kun' Aguero is one of Argentina's most decorated players. During his ten years with City, Aguero made 390 appearances, scoring an incredible 260 goals.
Aguero won five Premier League titles, one FA Cup and six EFL Cups during the decade he spent in Manchester. He is also the club's record goalscorer with 260 goals to his name.
Aguero has also made over 100 appearances for La Albiceleste and is considered by many as their second greatest-ever player after Lionel Messi. Although he moved to Barcelona last year, he was forced to announce his retirement after being diagnosed with cardiac arrhythmia.
