Top South American Players in Aston Villa History

Aston Villa has welcomed a variety of South American talent throughout its history, but only a select few have left a lasting mark. The club's reliance on players from this region has grown in recent years, a shift that would have seemed unlikely in the pre-Premier League era when British players dominated the squad.

Since the Premier League's rise, the influx of foreign players has transformed English football, yet Villa remains a less popular destination for South American stars. In total, only 13 players from the continent have donned the claret and blue. Some have come and gone, while others, like Emiliano Buendía, are making their mark today. Buendía has been in the spotlight recently, notably with his goal in De Kuip. He may not yet be the best South American to wear the Villa shirt, but his potential is undeniable.

Here’s a look at the top five South American players in Aston Villa's history:

**Ulises de La Cruz (2002-2006)**
De La Cruz joined Villa from Hibernian for £1.5 million and quickly became a fixture in the squad. Under Graham Taylor, he secured a starting spot and maintained it through David O’Leary's tenure. The Ecuadorian played as both a right back and right winger, making 100 appearances and contributing two goals and six assists. His time at Villa peaked in the 2003/04 season when the team finished sixth. After leaving Villa, he had a brief stint with Birmingham City before returning to Ecuador.

**Juan Pablo Ángel (2001-2007)**
Angel arrived at Villa as the club's record signing at £9.5 million. The Colombian striker took some time to find his footing but became a key player by his second season. He was instrumental in Villa's run to the EFL League Cup semifinals in 2004 and helped secure the Intertoto Cup. His goal-scoring prowess made him a fan favorite during his six-year stay.

These players are just a glimpse into the impact South Americans have had at Villa Park. As the club continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how future signings from the continent shape the team's identity.