The 44th Copa America tournament kicks off in Chile on June 11, with Uruguay out to defend their title, and a number of Europe’s finest talent will be on display.
Barcelona superstars Lionel Messi and Neymar are expected to shine during the competition, while the likes of Radamel Falcao and Angel Di Maria will be out to silence their critics following a miserable campaign at Old Trafford.
Take a look at the 10 players to keep an eye on at the tournament…
10. Philippe Coutinho – Brazil
The Liverpool playmaker was among the nominees for the PFA Player of the Year award and was voted into the PFA Premier League Team of the Year. Nonetheless, despite his recognition at club level, the 22-year-old is yet to really impress his home country. Chelsea’s Oscar is missing from the squad having not recovered from injury, and his absence could see this summer’s tournament as the moment Coutinho steps out of his shadow and makes his mark on the international stage.
9. Abel Hernandez – Uruguay
The Hull City forward has the opportunity to really catch his international manager’s eye this summer. Luis Suarez is banned from participating in the tournament, while Diego Forlan, at 36-years-old, is nearing the end of his career – which therefore means that Hernandez has an opportunity to impress. Edinson Cavani will likely be the number one choice in attack but, whether as a partner or a second-choice striker, there’s no better time to stake a claim for a key role in the Uruguay squad.
8. Juan Cuadrado – Colombia
The former Fiorentina winger joined Chelsea in the January transfer window, however since signing the contract, the move has turned out to be far from a dream – despite the silverware. Having been limited to cameo appearances under Jose Mourinho, an inspired display at the Copa America would certainly give the Blues boss something to think about ahead of the next Premier League campaign.
7. Raul Jimenez – Mexico
Mexico are favourites to win the Gold Cup tournament to take place in July, and Miguel Herrera has therefore opted to rest star strikers Javier Hernandez and Carlos Vela. This could be the finest opportunity for Jimenez to shine as first-choice striker, and the pressure will be on his shoulders to deliver the goals. A tough task for the 24-year-old – but one that he should be excited by.
6. James Rodriguez – Colombia
The 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner – the Real Madrid forward took centre stage in Brazil and his performances saw him seal a £63m move to the Santiago Bernabeu after the competition. Having now etched his name on the illustrious list of Los Blancos galacticos, expectations are even higher on the international stage. Colombia are certainly in with a chance of winning this summer’s Copa America, and the 23-year-old could be key to their success.
5. Radamel Falcao – Colombia
The line ‘four goals in 29 Premier League appearances’ must be going around in the head of the former Manchester United striker. There’s no better time to hit back at his critics than a month after the Red Devils confirmed they wouldn’t be making his loan deal permanent.
4. Neymar – Brazil
The Barcelona forward has helped form the world’s most formidable attacking trio at the Camp Nou, and Brazil’s opposition will be fearing the 23-year-old’s form in front of goal. Following heartbreak at last summer’s World Cup, in which Neymar missed the semi-final after breaking a bone in his back, the winger will be eager to fire his side to silverware at the tournament.
3. Angel Di Maria – Argentina
The former Santiago Bernabeu star has failed to live up to expectations in his first season at Old Trafford, and has even been linked with a sensational summer exit, yet no one can deny the natural ability he possesses. While short on confidence, with superstars Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi in attack, expect Di Maria to be in inspired form.
2. Alexis Sanchez – Chile
Unquestionably the Arsenal forward was the Premier League summer signing of the season. The former Barcelona star will surely continue his goalscoring form, and the hosts could well surprise a few. Chile have one of the most intimidating midfields in the tournament, which will give Sanchez further licence to cause havoc in attack.
1. Lionel Messi – Argentina
Few can disagree that the Barcelona superstar is one of the greatest players in history. However, there are still skeptics who refuse to name Messi alongside former greats until he delivers silverware on the international stage – and the Argentina captain will be desperate to fire his team to triumph.
