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A long season has almost come to an end and national duty beckons the players, who have been plying their trade with their clubs. With the UEFA Nations League coming to an end, the next big football tournament that is just around the corner is the Copa America 2019 which is going to be held in Brazil. This tournament has got its fair share of history and will kick-off on 15th of June, with the first match being played between the host nation Brazil and Bolivia.
Brazil are the outright favorites when it comes to winning this prestigious tournament considering the quality of players they possess in every single position. However, inability to deliver on the bigger stage has always plagued Brazil and their search for a major international trophy since 2007 continues.
However, one of the star names of world football - Neymar - has been ruled out of the tournament because of an ankle injury he picked up in a friendly against Qatar. Chelsea's Willian has been called up as his replacement in manager Tite's squad, who is disappointed to be deprived of Neymar's services for the high-profile tournament.
Apart from Brazil, defending champions Chile who won the Copa America Centenario that was held in 2016 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the tournament, could be a threat. Uruguay possess a strong team that can be very resolute in defense and lethal during counter-attack.
Fourteen-time winners Argentina are not starting as tournament favorites after a long time. A major reason of this is because of their relatively young team that lacks in experience. Many players from Argentina's golden generation have either hung up their boots or are not in good form. Still, the Albiceleste could be deemed as the dark horses and could go on to win the tournament.
We take a look at the five players to watch out for in the prestigious competition.
Also see : Copa America Standings, La Liga Transfer News
#1 Gabriel Jesus ( Brazil)
From playing in the streets of Sao Paolo in Brazil to winning trophies for Manchester City, Gabriel Jesus's career has been nothing short of a fairy tale. Many consider him to the future of Brazilian football and he has always ensured that he is worthy of fulfilling such lofty expectations.
Blessed with a good pair of feet which allow him to be efficient at dribbling past opponents, the 22-year old often manages to beat the offside trap and races past the defenders courtesy of his seemingly endless energy. He may not be the favorite striker in both Manchester City and Brazil camps, but he is dependable, promising and almost always delivers the goods. Second favorite to Sergio Aguero in Manchester City's lineup, the youngster has managed to impress by scoring 21 goals this season.
Jesus would be fighting with UCL winner Roberto Firmino for a place in the starting XI but he would certainly be waiting to make his mark this time around. This tournament is a golden chance for the Selecao to attain glory on an international stage and with the quality of players surrounding him on the pitch, it could very well be Jesus's carnival.
#2 Duvan Zapata ( Colombia )
The 28-year old Colombian has been through a series of highs and lows throughout his career. He has finally made his mark in Serie A this season with a tally of 23 goals and seven assists, finishing ahead of Milan sensation Krzysztof Piatek and Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo.
His amazing performances have catapulted Atalanta to the third position in the league table, thereby securing a Champions League spot next season. A traditional target man, he has evolved into a proper center forward capable of controlling the ball really well and putting it more often into the back of the net.
His combination with James Rodriguez will play a huge role in deciding how far Colombia will go into the tournament. If he can continue his red-hot form, then Colombia could very well progress into the latter stages of the tournament.
#3 Rodrigo Bentancur ( Uruguay )
Uruguay are the pioneers when it comes to winning the Copa America and they have bagged the prestigious trophy a record 15 times. The team looks well-groomed for success this time and will be spearheaded by a lethal attack of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani this time.
Their midfield, however, is studded with potential superstars - the biggest of all being a certain Juventus midfielder. A player full of promise, Rodrigo Bentancur forms an integral part of coach Oscar Tabarez's side, playing alongside Matias Vecino, Nicolas Lodeiro, Nahitan Nandez and Lucas Torriera. His style of play mixes the typical Uruguayan aggression with close control over the ball and he uses this to devastating effect, by playing through balls from a deeper midfield position. His link-up play with the forwards will be very vital to Uruguay's attack.
He recently signed an contract extension with Juventus that holds till 2024 and it is quite evident why he is regarded as one of the finest young talents at the club. The robust midfielder hasn't yet announced himself as a quality player on the world stage and this could be his finest chance to do that precisely.
#4 Giovani Lo Celso ( Argentina )
Not many would have heard about this youngster hailing from Rosario, a city in Argentina that is more popularly known to football fans as the home of Lionel Messi. However, Lo Celso has been making headlines for playing beautiful football with Real Betis.
A benchwarmer at PSG, Lo Celso was loaned out to Real Betis. His performances have been only got better at the Spanish club and that is why they opted to buy him permanently. More of a winger initially, he has been quite influential while playing in a more central role.
His brilliant dribbling skills and his vision have helped him grow by leaps and bounds into a play-maker full of promise. He will be vital to Argentina's run for the title and will be raring to end La Albiceleste's hunt for international glory.
#5 Lucas Torreira ( Uruguay )
Lucas Torreira built a reputation for himself during his Sampdoria days when he became increasingly important for the Italian side in the 2017/18 season. His relentless work rate attracted interest from clubs all over Europe and he was signed up by Arsenal soon after.
In his first season with Arsenal, he grew by leaps and bounds as a player and became almost indispensable to the Gunners in the first half of the season. However, things went downhill for Arsenal, as they were unable to finish in the top four of the Premier League and also lost the Europa League final to Chelsea.
The diminutive Uruguayan would be looking to make a mark in the Copa America. His capability to move into dangerous positions coupled with the skill to open up defenses with a deft pass, makes him the ideal workhorse in the lineup. Moreover, his defensive work rate and tenacity make him an absolutely daunting force in the middle of the park. His performances would be vital to Uruguay's chances of lifting the title.
