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Copa America 2019 is almost upon us. South America's premier competition will kick-off this Saturday as all the 12 teams set to feature in the competition have wrapped up their preparations with a pair of friendlies.
Barring Neymar, who was ruled out after sustaining another dreadful injury in the friendly game against co-participants Qatar, the competition will feature several household names who will make this tournament a glamorous affair.
However, there are also a few young guns who're touted to take the competition by storm. Or at least, leave a mark for everyone to mull over.
These youngsters are coming off the back of a promising season and have shown enough potential to believe each can turn over a new leaf in Brazil.
Let's look at the top six young players to watch in the tournament proper:
Also see : Copa America Standings, EPL Transfer News.
#6 Ritsu Doan (Japan)
After impressing in his loan spell with Dutch side Groningen, Doan received his first international call-up last September and hasn’t looked back since.
He effectively announced his arrival at the big stage with a memorable campaign for Japan in the competition, creating 11 chances and also netting twice, including the match-clinching penalty over Vietnam in the quarter-finals.
A right-winger by trade, Doan was always effective in counter-attacking situations. His ability to cut inside opened up avenues for the Blue Samurais while the 20-year old's link-up play with strikers Yuya Osako and Takumi Minamino make Japan a formidable outfit.
He sharpened his attacking blades for the competition with a fine performance in the 2-0 win over El Salvador in a recent friendly, cutting open La Selecta's defence with his nimble feet and intelligent movements.
Drawn alongside holders Chile and Uruguay, the odds of Japan progressing through to the next round are pretty slim. But Doan could help ensure the Blue Samurais won't go down without ruffling a feather or two.
#5 Eder Militao (Brazil)
The Canaries may not have to fret over Thiago Silva’s fading powers, for they might have already found a replacement in Eder Militao, who only recently completed his big-money move to Real Madrid after a prolific season with FC Porto.
Averaging 2.2 interceptions per 90 minutes last season - higher than Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane, Eder is constantly anticipating and proactive. He can get into intelligent positions and doesn’t leave much breathing space for the attackers.
So athletically gifted, it’s easy to forget that he’s only 21 years old. But there’s more to his game than just lightning bolt speed. Eder also breaks forward when an opportunity presents itself, showcasing his attacking abilities that you’d normally expect from a Brazilian defender.
The Copa America will effectively serve as a prelude to what he has in store for his new suitors Real Madrid.
#4 Ali Almoez (Qatar)
Born in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum, Ali was the architect behind Al-Annabi’s maiden Asia Cup triumph earlier this year, plundering a tournament-high of nine goals from seven appearances.
His pace, power and finishing makes him a nuisance for defenders while Ali’s ability to pick out passes in key areas is also laudable. Notwithstanding, the 22-year old was also bestowed with the ‘Best Player’ award of the competition!
Ali’s exploits were so impressive that Barcelona sent him their traditional Blaugrana-themed ‘home’ jersey with his name inscribed on the back and signed by none other than Lionel Messi, against whom he will be locking horns with, in the group stages.
Having been drawn in a tough group, Qatar's chances of making it big in the Copa America are minimal. But with Ali leading the line, the Maroons can see a silver lining in the hazy clouds.
#3 Giovani Lo Celso (Argentina)
A fringe player at PSG, Lo Celso went on to play a starring role for Real Betis in his loan move last season, so much so that he’s now signed for the LaLiga outfit on a permanent basis.
With 16 goals and six assists to his name in all competitions, the 23-year old was among the more consistent players in an otherwise erratic Verdiblancos side and could be the secret sauce to Argentina’s fortunes in this competition.
His chemistry with Lionel Messi in the friendly to Nicaragua was a sight to behold, as the duo combined to roll over the hapless visitors. They linked up as if Messi and Lo Celso have been playing together for ages, even though this was only their first appearance together.
The Real Betis forward even assisted his Barcelona counterpart for the opener.
This sparkling synergy not only has the Argentinian fans all agog ahead of the kick-off but also seems to have bolstered hopes of pulling up trees in the competition.
#2 Rodrigo Bentancur (Uruguay)
Remember him? The Juventus midfielder was the breakout start at the World Cup last year for La Celeste, manning the centre of the park with great vision and control, topped up with aplomb that belied his age.
He carried some of that form into the following season for the Bianconeris, and will now be the cynosure of Uruguay’s games at the Copa America, his maiden appearance in the tournament.
Calm and composed in possession, Bentancur more than makes up for his penchant for conservative passes with an excellent reading of the game and also providing a steely protective cover to the back four: just cast your mind back to that game against Portugal where he frustrated Cristiano Ronaldo to the hilt.
His compatibility and camaraderie with Matias Vecino in the midfield was a driving factor in Uruguay’s fluid brand of football and would be aiming to emulate the same here too.
#1 David Neres (Brazil)
Neymar’s injury-enforced absence from the competition may have knocked the stuffing out of the Seleccao faithful, but manager Tite has enough resources in his arsenal to call upon. And while the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison are likely to lead the line, watch out for this Ajax star too.
The 22-year old was a vital cog in the Godenzonen juggernaut, netting eight times and assisting another 11 goals despite starting only 20 league games.
Strong in possession with a wide passing range, Neres’ skill set also includes eye-catching dribbles, while his rapier-like precision makes him a fine finisher too. His blistering form last season with the Dutch champions has also espied the eye of several top shouts of Europe, who’re now pursuing his signature.
Neres was also on target in the 7-0 shellacking of Honduras in a recent friendly, and could be used as an impact substitute from the bench by Tite.
