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The Tokyo Olympics' men's football tournament is set to commence on 22 July, with some big names confirming their participation for the same.
Various top teams have been reluctant to let go of their star names. Nevertheless, there will be no shortage of star power at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, with several established names set to take part in the competition.
It will also be a good opportunity for young players to win a medal for their country. The likes of Brazil, Spain, Germany and Argentina will all play at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, so it will be an exciting tournament.
On that note, let's look at the five best footballers set to take part in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
#5 Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico)
A highly-experienced goalkeeper, Guillermo Ochoa, made his name during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where he was one of the best custodians in the tournament.
Guillermo Ochoa has represented clubs like Ajaccio, Malaga and Granada and is currently in his second spell with America. The 36-year-old has 114 caps for Mexico and is renowned for his quick reflexes. Ochoa is a likely starter for his country at the Tokyo Olympics.
The former Standard Liege man has won the CONCACAF Gold Cup four times with Mexico. His intelligence and experience will be vital if El Tri are to enjoy a successful campaign in Tokyo.
#4 Florian Thauvin (France)
It was surprising to see Florian Thauvin leave Marseille on a free transfer and join Liga MX side Tigres UANL this summer.
Thauvin was sensational for Marseille during his second spell with the club, making 200 appearances in all competitions and scoring 71 goals. However, persistent injuries during his later seasons at Marseille meant the 28-year old made only two appearances in all competitions in the 2019/20 campaign.
A World Cup winner with France, Thauvin will link up with former Marseille teammate Andre-Pierre Gignac at Tigres UANL. Gignac has also been named in the France squad for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
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#3 Marco Asensio (Spain)
Marco Asensio's exclusion from the Spain squad for Euro 2020 was met with scepticism, despite the forward's subpar season with Real Madrid.
A highly-rated talent during his younger days, Asensio has struggled to get going since suffering a serious injury in 2019. The 25-year -old made 21 starts in La Liga last season, scoring five goals and providing two assists. Capable of playing in a variety of forward positions, Asensio's versatility could prove to be useful at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The Spaniard will be keen to make an impact at the Olympics. With Real Madrid interested in signing the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, Asensio's future with Los Blancos is up in the air.
#2 Pedri (Spain)
Pedri is one of the best young midfielders in the world. His performances at Euro 2020 saw him being named in the UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament. He was also named as the UEFA European Championship Young Player of the Tournament.
Pedri was magnificent at Euro 2020. Technically gifted, highly intelligent and an excellent passer, the 18-year-old ran the show for Spain in midfield. He was a constant presence in the Barcelona midfield throughout the 2020-21 season too and is expected to play a key role this time around as well.
The only worry regarding the former Las Palmas star is that he has played a lot of minutes since the beginning of last season. It might have been smarter to give Pedri some rest before the start of the new season, but there is no denying that he will be a star presence at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
#1 Dani Alves (Brazil)
Dani Alves was not included in the Brazil squad for Copa America 2021, and his exclusion now makes sense.
The 38-year-old is regarded as one of the best right-backs of all time, and his trophy cabinet speaks for itself. Well-renowned for his spell with Barcelona, where he made 391 appearances in all competitions, Alves has also played for the likes of Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain.
Alves currently plays for Sao Paulo, where he has often been utilised as an attacking midfielder due to his creativity and passing ability. The Brazilian will arguably be one of the biggest names at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Honourable mentions: Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain), Richarlison (Brazil).
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