Juan turns the clock back

By BBC Sport Online's Andrew Warshaw

Remember 1978? Keith Burkinshaw certainly does.

He was the man who broke with tradition by bringing the first two Argentines, Osvaldo Ardiles and Ricardo Villa, to English football.

Some people thought he was crazy. No-one at the time knew what impact they would have.

But the former Tottenham Hotspur manager was sure he was onto a winner.

Ardiles had wooed the world with his vision and industry at the 1978 World Cup and Burkinshaw was convinced, even though others weren't, that the little midfielder would provide the same inspiration in London.

The rest, as they say, is history. Ardiles became one of the most influential figures ever to grace the English game.

The less effective, but equally charismatic Villa, will never be forgotten after his memorable solo goal that won Spurs the FA Cup in 1981.

If he's as good as Ossie, Manchester United will be delighted

  Former Spurs manager Keith Burkinshaw

Now, a generation on, Juan Veron has the chance to stamp his mark in similar style on the Premiership following English football's record £23m transfer fee.

"If he's as good as Ossie, then Manchester United will be delighted," Burkinshaw told BBC Sport Online.

"I can't see why he shouldn't fit in if he's as good as people say he is. It's when you've got bad players that it doesn't work."

Burkinshaw, currently a director of Aberdeen, recalls some of the reaction when he first moved in for Ardiles and Villa.

"I remember Tommy Docherty saying they wouldn't last more than six months once the English winter set in.

"But neither of them had any problems adapting. One of the reasons is that they were happy from the word go."

Yet unlike in Spain and Italy, not all Argentine players have made it in English football, preferring to return to Latin climes and a less intense lifestyle.

He resembles the way Bobby Charlton used to play

  Former coach Carlos Billardo

Arsenal recently off-loaded full-back Nelson Vivas, who never managed to live up to expectations or his price tag.

Another full-back, Mauricio Taricco, showed early promise at Tottenham but fell out of contention last season due to injury.

It all depends, it seems, on timing and personality.

Alex Sabella, for instance, was adored by the Sheffield United fans in the late 1970s.

And Sunderland are currently expecting great things from Julio Arca, who played with style and composure towards the end of last season.

Newcastle, too, have put their faith in two Argentines, Daniel Cordone and Christian Bassedas having cost a combined £8.5m.

Strange environment

Like Burkinshaw, Magpies boss Bobby Robson wanted two Argentine players so they could help each other in a strange environment.

"It definitely worked with Ossie and Ricky," Burkinshaw said.

"Some of these imports don't fulfill their potential but if you have the technique and reasonable brain, I can't see why there should be any problems.

"I'm surprised we haven't brought more of them over."

Now it's the turn of Veron, the biggest coup of all, to prove why his country is currently regarded as the best team in the world.

Carlos Billardo, who coached him both at Boca Juniors and Estudiantes, says the midfield star can only improve United and can play in any number of positions.

"He resembles the way Bobby Charlton used to play," Bilardo, the former Argentine national coach told the Daily Mail.

"He can run with the ball but can pass and move it around, making it work for him. He has a long stride, hits the ball 40 to 50 metres without a problem and strikes the dead ball brilliantly."

It looks like a potent combination.