Copa America: 5 players that will capture your attention
We all know the players that will headline this year’s Copa America Centenario, but new stars will be born on this grand stage.
We’ve heard the names, Neymar, Messi, Suarez, Sanchez, they all had their moments on the biggest of stages as they propelled themselves into stardom.
There’s a new crop that will take full advantage of the opportunity as thousands will watch and find out who they are. After all, this is a time that clubs are watching and willing to spend big money if they perform well.
Joel Campbell
Campbell is no stranger to international competitions. Having already played in the EPL for Arsenal and currently with La Liga side Villareal, Campbell knows what these moments are all about.
He first burst onto the scene during Costa Rica’s magical run in the 2014 World Cup scoring a goal against Uruguay. Two years later he’ll have a chance to continue his international rise with Copa America, but he will have to help guide his squad against a familiar foe in the USA and South America juggernaut, Colombia.
Christian Pulisic
There hasn’t been this much excitement over a young and promising player in the U.S. since possibly Landon Donovan. Christian Pulisic has earned his way onto the senior national team, and he’s only 17-years-old. Many will say it’s best to groom him and slowly bring him along, but his success in the youth system of Borussia Dortmund and now on the senior team makes him a favorite to earn a starting spot or at the very least big minutes off the bench.
Pulisic has become a fan favorite as his progress in the youth national teams have been eye opening. During his time on the U.S. U-17 squad he scored 20 goals in 34 appearances, not bad for a kid who should be finishing up high school right now.
Erik Lamela
Erik Lamela is overshadowed by some big names on the Argentine national team. It’s a tough gig when ahead of you is Messi, Sergio Aguero, and a host of other high-profile players, but Lamela has settled in to a player that will be seeing more international minutes as time progresses.
Lamela has grown tremendously since his arrival in Tottenham. He’s scored 7 goals in 73 matches, and while he would like to improve those numbers, there’s no telling where the ceiling is for his success and there’s no better opportunity than at the Copa America.
Hirving Lozano
Mexico’s future is looking brighter and brighter with the infusion of very talented young players. However, no one player has made as much of an impact than Hirving Lozano. His play is dynamic and exactly what Mexico needed on the wing.
Lozano captured fan’s attention quickly playing for his Liga MX club Pachuca, and that rise evolved into his starting role on the national team. He got his career started quickly when he blew by a defender and scored against Canada in World Cup Qualifying. Now he has a chance to explode on to the scene on the international stage once again.
Adalberto Peñaranda
Venezuela has had a rough stretch in the last decade underachieving and failing to perform better on the international level. Things, however, are looking up for La VintoTinto with the rise of youngster Adalberto Peñaranda whose only 18-years-old.
For now, the young footballer is on loan (Watford) in La Liga playing for Granada, but has developed interest from larger clubs. His international resume is short, but long-term there are high hopes for this kid coming into this Summer’s tournament who is looking more and more like the real deal.