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Copa America 2021 will feature some of the best South American players in the game.
With Brazil set to host this edition of the Copa America, the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani would attract the most attention. However, the tournament could also see a few other players produce rousing performances and steal the limelight of their illustrious colleagues.
On that note, let's take a look at five players who could be surprise contenders for the Player of the Tournament at Copa America 2021.
#5 Gabriel Barbosa (Brazil)
Many remember Gabriel Barbosa because of his failed stint in Europe with Inter Milan and Benfica. But Gabigol has rediscovered his goalscoring form at Flamengo, which has attracted the attention of top clubs across Europe.
Barbosa was a highly regarded prospect during his Santos days and was a favourite among Football Manager fans. The 24-year old's move to Inter Milan in 2016 did not work out, and Barbosa returned to his homeland, bagging a deal with Flamengo.
The forward played a key role for Flamengo in their Copa Libertadores triumph in 2019 and has been included in Brazil's squad for Copa America 2021. Brazil do not lack firepower upfront at Copa America 2021, but Barbosa could prove to be an effective foil for the likes of Neymar, Roberto Firmino and Gabriel Jesus.
Also Read: Strongest possible starting XI for England | UEFA Euro 2020.
#4 Rodrigo De Paul (Argentina)
Rodrigo De Paul has been linked heavily with Arsenal, Leeds United and Inter Milan. But it looks unlikely he could be playing for Udinese next season.
The 27-year-old has been the Serie A club's star player for quite some time now and is now a regular for Argentina too. A highly creative and gifted player, who is also an excellent dribbler, De Paul made 36 Serie A appearances in 2020-21, scoring nine goals and providing nine assists.
The former Valencia man is likely to start for Argentina at Copa America 2021 and tasked with providing creativity from midfield. He is yet to score for Argentina, so Copa America 2021 offers him a good chance of opening his account in international football.
Also Read: Fabrizio Romano's Transfer Roundup: Update on Manchester United's pursuit of Jadon Sancho, Chelsea's plans for Hakimi and more.
#3 Luis Muriel (Colombia)
Luis Muriel could be one of the names to watch out for at Copa America 2021. He has been one of the key players in Gian Piero Gasperini's Atalanta side for a while.
The Colombian striker has predominantly been utilised from the bench by Gasperini but to devastating effect. Muriel made just 16 starts for Atalanta in the league in 2020-21 but scored 22 goals and provided nine assists.
With star man James Rodriguez not included in the Colombia squad, Luis Muriel and Duvan Zapata will have to shoulder the burden of leading their country's attack at the tournament. Muriel has scored eight goals in 38 appearances for Colombia, but his form for Atalanta suggests he could enjoy a prolific Copa America campaign.
#2 Duvan Zapata (Colombia)
Like Luis Muriel, his Colombia and Atalanta colleague, Duvan Zapata, has benefitted hugely due to Gasperini's attack-minded playing philosophy.
Zapata is the starting striker for Gasperini's Atalanta and will also do so for Colombia at Copa America 2021. A strong player with good passing and finishing ability, the 30-year old made 29 starts for Atalanta last season, scoring 15 goals and providing nine assists.
Colombia's progress at Copa America 2021 will hinge on the performances of Zapata and Muriel. It is evident that both players have improved under the tutelage of Gasperini, so a strong Copa America 2021 campaign could see them attract the attention of top clubs in the continent.
#1 Alexis Sanchez (Chile)
Alexis Sanchez has become the forgotten man. Regarded as one of the best in the world while he was at Arsenal, a poor stint with Manchester United significantly reduced his stock.
Now at Inter Milan, the 32-year old was largely a fringe player for Antonio Conte's Serie A-winning side. Sanchez made just 12 starts in the league for Inter Milan, scoring seven goals and providing five assists, as Conte preferred Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez ahead of the Chilean.
For Chile, though, Sanchez remains a bonafide star. Having played a stellar role in his team's Copa America triumphs in 2015 and 2016, Sanchez will be in action at Copa America 2021 as well.
With 138 caps and 46 goals for Chile, Sanchez is one of the most experienced players in his team. And it is not implausible that the former Barcelona man enjoys a prolific campaign for his country at Copa America 2021.
Also Read: Copa America 2021: Top 5 Golden Ball contenders.
