Mining Parguay

It is likely already too late, as it got written up at BBC Sport's Football Blogs, but Paraguay is about to have a sixth straight appearence in the World Cup Finals. Nine of their players play in Mexico, exactly the type of talents that could come to MLS and succeed on talent (yes, not all CONMEBOL's are happy playing in the USA).

Vickery even points out one player from Cruz Azul who he feels could make the jump to the upper level English Leagues Cristian Riveros.

One who readily comes to mind as theoretically being suited to the English game is midfielder Cristian Riveros, currently with Cruz Azul. Away to Argentina, in the absence of the normal holding midfielder, he did a good marking job on Juan Riquelme.

Three days later at home to Venezuela it was back to normal service - he passes off either foot and has the dynamism to keep popping up in the box. He scored his third goal of the campaign and his 7th in 33 internationals.

With his mix of warrior spirit, talent and versatility Riveros is an appropriate symbol of Martino's Paraguay, and would not look out of place on the pitches of the Premier League.

Paraguay is 5-2-1 ahead of Brazil and Argentina in their continental qualifiers with a +10 goal differential. I still recommend looking into surprising national teams in Asia and Africa as well. Coming up I will explain my desire for Khalifan Ibrahim Khalifan.