No10: Geovanni

Former Barcelona forward Geovanni has a habit of upsetting the big boys. After signing for Manchester City last year, he scored the winner in the derby with United. And despite a summer move to Hull, he again proved his value with a superb strike in the shock win at Arsenal on Saturday.

No9: Mirandinha

The very first Brazilian — well before foreign players started arriving in their droves. Newcastle striker Mirandinha cost £575,000 (a big sum in 1987) from Palmeiras and, along with future England star Paul Gascoigne, helped them finish eighth. But his star faded as Toon were relegated a year later.

No8: Lucas

The Liverpool midfielder has yet to establish himself as a first-team regular at Anfield but there has already been enough to suggest he can blossom in the future. Lucas faces tough competition for places with the Reds but boss Rafa Benitez believes the £8m signing could become a real box-to-box star.

No7: Afonso Alves

Alves was a prime candidate to become the latest high-profile flop but he is quietly earning an impressive reputation at Middlesbrough. The £12m striker has scored seven goals in 13 league starts since his January move. Much will depend on his ability to perform during the cold winter months.

No6: Denilson

Eyebrows were raised when Arsenal failed to replace defensive midfielders Mathieu Flamini and Gilberto in the summer. But they did not hesitate to promote £3.4m Denilson — and the 20-year-old has repaid their faith with impressive displays in starting every league game so far this season.

No5: Elano

Signed during the haze of arrivals in the early days of Sven Goran Eriksson’s reign, Elano emerged as arguably the best buy. The £7m midfielder immediately demonstrated his eye for wonder goals and although his form tailed off, he is now threatening a return to his best under Mark Hughes.

No4: Anderson

Paul Scholes may be in the autumn of his career but Manchester United have a replacement ready in Anderson. The tough-tackling £14m midfielder is a ball of energy in the centre of the park and is set to emerge as one of the club’s key stars in the future.

No3: Edu

Despite a slow start at Arsenal, £6m Edu soon became a key player in their bid for trophies. The midfielder helped them to two titles and three FA Cups in his four-year stint. He eventually opted to join Valencia on a free — and it is worth noting that the Gunners have not won a trophy since his departure.

No2: Gilberto Silva

Arsenal fans bid a fond farewell to Gilberto in the summer. Signed after helping Brazil to the 2002 World Cup, the star later helped fill the void left by Patrick Vieira. A powerful midfielder and comfortable on the ball, Gilberto also proved his worth as an emergency centre-back.

No1: Juninho

After Middlesbrough were promoted in 1995, they signed a little-known star called Juninho. The tiny forward went on to become one of club's all-time heroes with a string of dazzling performances. Boro signed some flop Brazilians but Juninho — who returned two more times — will not be forgotten.