Former Newcastle United striker Mirandinha singled out Chelsea’s David Luiz and Oscar for praise when speaking about the new crop of Brazilian talent in England.
The 53-year-old was the first of his nationality to ply their trade in England, following a transfer from Palmeiras to Newcastle in 1987.
Mirandinha made way for a whole host of Brazilians to join the Premier League, such as ex-Middlesbrough star Juninho, and he has been most impressed by two international players at Stamford Bridge.
He told FIFA.com: “I like David Luiz of Chelsea a lot. He’s got a lot of quality and he’s one of the best central defenders in the world.
“Oscar, his team-mate at Chelsea, is doing a great job too despite the fact he doesn’t always start games. He’s definitely got a big future ahead of him.”
Mirandinha, who was capped four times and scored his only international goal against England, does believe that his compatriots have it easier today though.
He added: “They’re fortunate in that they’re playing a very different and much easier game than the one I came across in my day.
“There are high-class players from all over the world everywhere you look now and they’re playing on perfect pitches.
“When I was there I even had to play on artificial pitches, like the one at Luton Town. The culture of English football is completely different today.”
Source: FIFA.com
