The Copa America is set to kick off on Sunday at 23:00 CEST with Brazil‘s game against Venezuela at the Estadio Nacional de Brasilia after the competition was moved to the country that hosted the 2019 edition, following political unrest in Colombia and the COVID-19 situation in Argentina – the two countries which were initially set to co-host the competition.
Stars such as Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez are expected to steal the limelight, but there are some players who all football fans should look out for, as they could shine in the Copa America for their respective countries.
Let’s take a look at the five players who could have a breakout tournament in Brazil this summer.
Cristian Romero (Argentina)
The Atalanta centre-back stood out last season in Italy, being named Serie A’s best defender of the 2020/21 campaign.
Romero helped his team clinch qualification to the Champions League knockout rounds and recently made his official debut with Argentina in their 2022 World Cup qualifier against Chile.
The 23-year-old prodigy netted his first goal with the Albiceleste in their last game ahead of the Copa America, a 2-2 draw with Colombia.
Facundo Torres (Uruguay)
One of the most promising Uruguayan talents, Torres made his official debut for the national team at the age of 21 in their recent 2022 World Cup qualifier with Paraguay.
The prodigious Penarol forward has shown his versatility by being able to play in all positions upfront and has stood out for his ability to dribble past defenders after a great season in Uruguay.
Emerson (Brazil)
The former Real Betis right-back has recently signed for Barcelona and is keen to prove his worth in this summer’s Copa America before returning to Catalonia where he could compete with Sergino Dest for a spot in the starting line-up.
Danilo is considered as Brazil‘s starting right-back, but after a fine season with Betis, Emerson may get the opportunity to play again for the Selecao after debuting in November 2019 in a friendly with South Korea.
Emiliano Martinez (Argentina)
Having been lacking a solid goalkeeper between the posts in the last few years, Argentina are expected to count on Aston Villa‘s shot-stopper this summer.
Last season, Martinez played all 38 Premier League games for Aston Villa, whom he joined back in September from Arsenal.
Gonzalo Plata (Ecuador)
The Sporting CP winger had shined with Ecuador in the 2019 U-20 World Cup in Poland, before making the leap to the seniors, for whom he has featured in almost all their 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
Aged 20, Plata may not be considered as a starter for this tournament but could certainly make the difference off the bench for Ecuador.
