The 48th edition of the Copa America is just four months away when the American festival of football opens its doors in Atlanta.
The USA hosts the competition, but the biggest stars will travel from Europe to represent their South American homelands.
Holders Argentina are aiming to win the trophy for a record 16th time and, as World Champions too, they are the team to beat. The Copa America 2024 betting odds say it will be a face off between La Albiceleste and arch rivals Brazil.
Some of the best flair players on the planet will be on show, so let’s take a look at the SBOTOP pick of five players who can wow the crowds and change the games with a flash of genius.
Julian Alvarez, Argentina
The 2022 World Cup winners have been captained and inspired by the great Lionel Messi over the last decade and he might be in the USA to help pack the stadiums again this summer.
But one player who is certain to terrorise opposition defences is Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez. He arrived at the Etihad Stadium from River Plate as an exciting prospect, a potential replacement for the great Sergio Aguero, and this season he has blossomed into one of the best forwards in the Premier League.
His superb positional sense and timing, combined with a great first touch and sublime control make him a joy to watch. And Alvarez is one of the best free-kick takers in the modern game.
Rodrygo: Brazil
In a team which boasts a wild array of attacking talent and a nation famed for exciting football, there are plenty of players to pick from.
Gabriel Jesus, Richarlison, Neymar, and Vinicius Junior will all be in the Selecao’s thoughts as they try to wrestle South American dominance away from Argentina. But my pick is Real Madrid’s 23-year-old forward Rodrygo.
He can play as a winger or a No. 10 and has become a key player for Los Blancos following the departure of Karim Benzema. Rodrygo scored both Real Madrid’s goals in their 2023 Copa del Rey final win over Osasuna, and he is the man for the big occasion.
Luis Diaz: Colombia
Liverpool’s super quick forward Diaz could easily be the player of the tournament if he can fire the Colombians to a second Copa America triumph. It is almost a quarter of a century since Los Cafeteros were Kings of the Americas, and they are outsiders again.
But Diaz is a proven match-winner as a natural left winger who loves to drift in to support the strikers. He is back from a long-term injury and will be a key player in Liverpool’s Premier League title push. Diaz’ link up play, deadly delivery, and eye for goal mean we can’t take our eyes off him.
Rodrigo Bentancur, Uruguay
Another Premier League star we expect to make plenty of Copa America 2024 highlights is Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Bentancur.
Uruguay have won the tournament 15 times, as well as Argentina, and they will be a force to be reckoned with this time around.
And in Bentancur they have a superb all-round player who can operate as a deep-lying playmaker or as an attacking player behind the front two. He displays intelligence, great technique, and footwork, and he will beat players with a change of pace or a clever pass.
Bentancur can also pop up with a crucial goal when needed, as he did in Tottenham’s recent 2-2 draw with Manchester United.
He’s another player who has been sidelined with a long-term injury, and Spurs have more strength and resilience now that Bentancur is back in the fold, which can only be good news for Uruguay.
Christian Pulisic, USA
Our North American choice comes from Serie A in the shape of AC Milan’s attacking midfielder Christian Pulisic. He’s the Stars and Stripes best player of the past few years, scoring 28 goals in 64 international appearances, and Pulisic is still only 25 years of age.
He can also play out wide, and he gives the USA plenty of fluidity in attack. And, since moving from Chelsea to Milan in the summer, he has found his best form again.
While AC Milan have shown some defencive frailties in recent weeks, there is no doubting their strike force and, playing off centre-forward Olivier Giroud, Pulisic and Rafael Leao can wreak havoc in opposition defences.
At his very best, Pulisic is a world beater, able to unlock any defence, and he can help USA spring a surprise or two on home soil.
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