The next destination of our alphabetical world tour is Paraguay. The South American nation enjoyed something of a golden age in the early years of the Premier League, qualifying for four consecutive World Cup finals tournaments and reaching the knockout stage on three occasions.
Though they have not managed to qualify since 2010, several Paraguayans have featured in the Premier League during that time. A total of eight players have represented Paraguay in the Premier League since its inception in 1992.
First Player – Diego Gavilán (Newcastle United; 2000-03)
Signing during one of Newcastle’s best periods in recent times, Diego Gavilán was intended to be a part of an attractive international footballing side.
But it was not to be. Though Newcastle were challenging in the top part of the table, Gavilán made only seven league appearances in his time on Tyneside. They were enough to make him the first Paraguayan to play in the Premier League however. Gavilán won 43 caps for Paraguay and traveled with his nation to two World Cup finals tournaments.
Records
- Most appearances – Roque Santa Cruz (86)
- First appearance – Diego Gavilán (Sunderland 2-2 NEWCASTLE, February 5th 2000)
- Most goals – Roque Santa Cruz (26)
- First goal – Diego Gavilán (NEWCASTLE 2-0 Coventry, April 29th 2000)
Current/Most Recent Players
Two Paraguayans currently play in the Premier League as of last season. Fabián Balbuena and Miguel Almirón currently play their trade for West Ham and Newcastle respectively, both joining their current clubs in 2018.
Juan Iturbe (Bournemouth), Christian Riveros, Paulo Da Silva (both Sunderland), Antolin Alcaraz (Wigan and Everton) and Roque Santa Cruz (Manchester City) all featured in the 2010s also.
Trivia
- Of the 10 CONMEBOL nations, only Bolivia (2), Venezuela (2) and Peru (5) have had fewer players represent their country in the Premier League than Paraguay (8).
- Three of the 10 most capped Paraguayans of all time played in the Premier League; Paulo Da Silva (148 caps, 1st), Roque Santa Cruz (112 caps, 3rd) and Christian Riveros (99 caps, 7th).
- Four of the eight Premier League Paraguayans played for either Newcastle or Sunderland; Diego Gavilán and Miguel Almirón (Newcastle) and Christian Riveros and Paulo Da Silva (Sunderland).
