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Brazil's Copa America journey wasn't much different from that of Argentina's. They scored an equal number of goals (12) and conceded the same amount as well (3). Both teams also performed consistently throughout the competition. The only thing that separates the two is — the Copa America 2021 trophy!
The 2019 Champions entered the competition with a formidable side, eyeing their tenth Copa America title. Brazil is one of the teams that can boast a rich squad depth on almost every occasion.
Under the management of Tite, the Canarinha looked confident right from the start of the tournament. They were placed in Group B alongside Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela. Brazil emerged as the group toppers after winning three out of four games. Their only draw came against Ecuador.
The Seleção found their rhythm quite early in the tournament. It's difficult to associate the same with a specific set of players as it was always a combined effort from each of the players who donned the yellow jersey.
However, it is impossible to not have any standout performances. Let us take a look at the top 5 players for Brazil at Copa America 2021.
#5 Casemiro
Casemiro can be described as one of the most complete midfielders of the modern era. From being the anchor of defense to running into the final third to assist the forwards, he can switch between his roles in a jiffy.
The Real Madrid midfielder's work rate and passing accuracy are difficult for any player to emulate. Casemiro played an integral role in Brazil's campaign, especially when they played out from the back.
With a passing accuracy over 80% and an injury-time-winning goal against Colombia, Casemiro made his mark in the competition. He was also included in the Copa America 2021 Team of the Tournament.
#4 Richarlison
The Everton striker played second fiddle to their star man Neymar at Copa America 2021. However, that didn't limit his potential by any means.
Richarlison is one of those players who gives 100% until the final whistle is blown. Throughout the tournament, we saw Brazil coach Tite shuffling with the formations. His confidence in deploying Richarlison in various positions has been a huge asset for the Canarinho.
The 24-year-old forward had an incredible role in the final even though his side suffered a loss at the hands of Messi & Co. An impressive run in the tournament has earned Richarlison a call-up to the Brazilian team that is set to travel to Tokyo for the Olympics.
#3 Lucas Paquetá
Lucas Paquetá was arguably the best player for Tite's side in the knockout stages of the Copa America 2021. The Lyon striker has two goals in the competition for Brazil. Both were the only goals in Brazil's games against Chile in quarters and Peru in semis.
Out of the six games played in total, two of them came from the bench for Paquetá. Nevertheless, he has been equally influential for the former Copa America champions as any starter. Lucas linked quite well with the likes of Neymar and Richarlison to keep the ball in the opposition's half for the majority of many games.
The Brazilian number 17 was quick to create an impact when used as a substitute. When Paquetá scored against Chile, he had been on the pitch for less than a minute. The left-footed forward earned his coach's favor and was often preferred over Liverpool man Roberto Firmino.
#2 Marquinhos
Marquinhos, alongside his former teammate, Thiago Silva, held the Brazilian defensive line quite well throughout the tournament. The duo had an incredible run where they conceded just three goals in the entire competition. Unfortunately, one of those was against Argentina in the final.
Nevertheless, the Brazilian center-backs earned appreciation for their sheer dedication and consistent performance. However, among the two, Marquinhos is the man who stood out. The PSG captain scored the very first goal (against Venezuela) for his country in the Copa America 2021.
In addition to his game reading skills, Marquinhos' pace and aerial abilities proved was crucial for Brazil. He was a key figure in setting the ball for a counter-attack on numerous occasions.
Marquinhos was also picked as the center-back alongside Argentina's Romero in the Copa America Team of the Tournament.
#1 Neymar
Three goals, three assists and three Man of the Match awards. Do we need anything else to confirm Neymar as Brazil's top player at Copa America 2021?
The former Barcelona star entered the tournament with a lot expected from him. Even though he lost the trophy to his former teammate Leo Messi, it wouldn't be wrong to say Neymar lived up to expectations at the tournament.
Neymar's pinpoint corner-kick to find Casemiro in the dying seconds of Brazil's group stage game against Columbia was one of the stand-out moments in the tournament this year.
Neymar also did his best for the hosts against rivals Argentina in the final. Despite having a couple of shots on target and a lot of possession in the box, the former Barcelona number 11 failed to hit the back of the net.
Neymar was also the third Brazilian player to be featured in the 2021 Copa America Team of the Tournament.
Also Check Out: Brazil Match Schedule for Copa America
