2011 Copa Libertadores, Round Of 16: European Veterans Bolster Santos

As Santos gets ready to take on Club America in the Copa Libertadores’ Round of 16, the focus is on a host of players with big-time European experience. FMF State of Mind, SB Nation’s Mexican soccer blog, points out that those players have helped in ways that go beyond their on-field performance:

Elano, along with a host of other players that have returned from their travels in Europe to play closer to home, have provided an extremely importing supporting class that has allowed Santos’ young talents to shine even further. Now, heading into the knockout phases of the Copa Libertadores and facing a tough opponent in América, Santos’ approach will be tested even further.

In addition to Elano, Santos has acquired the services of players like veteran starters Edu Dracena and Rodrigo Possebon and backups like Keirrison and Diogo. Those kind of players have helped the likes of Neymar and Zé Eduardo really reach their potential.