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The UEFA Euro 2020 might be attracting a lot of attention, but Copa America 2021 has provided viewers with a lot of entertainment as well.
Some of the biggest names in football like Lionel Messi and Neymar, have been in stellar form for their respective countries at Copa America 2021. There have been some stunning performances and results.
While managers wary of over-utilising their players after a gruelling season of club football, there have been quite a few standout performers so far at the competition. Many more such performances are expected over the next few weeks.
We look at the 5 best players at Copa America 2021 so far.
#5 Casemiro (Brazil)
One of the best defensive midfielders in world football, Casemiro gave a glimpse of his world-class quality in Brazil's Copa America 2021 game against Venezuela.
The 29-year old partnered Lyon's Lucas Paqueta and Manchester United's Fred in midfield, and his defensive nous was crucial. Fred, in particular, enjoyed a good game against Venezuela, and much of it was down to Casemiro taking up the bulk of the defensive work.
Casemiro's quality is undeniable, but manager Tite decided to try Liverpool's Fabinho in Brazil's next Copa America 2021 game against Peru. Fabinho did well as well, but Casemiro will surely be Brazil's starting defensive midfielder in the near future.
Also Read: Euro 2020: 5 surprise packages of the tournament so far
#4 Eduardo Vargas (Chile)
Eduardo Vargas is one of those players who always seem to perform at the international level.
Vargas is a well-travelled player, having represented clubs like Napoli, Gremio, Valencia, Queens Park Rangers and Hoffenheim. While he remains an inconsistent performer at club level, Vargas has always been at his very best for Chile.
At Copa America 2021, it has been no different. The 31-year old scored the equaliser for Chile against Argentina, and put his country ahead against Uruguay. He is currently the top goalscorer at Copa America 2021, and could reach 100 caps for Chile during the tournament.
Also Read: Euro 2020: Ranking the top 5 favorites to win the tournament
#3 Angel Romero (Paraguay)
Angel Romero may not be a well-known name, but the Paraguayan has outshone the likes of Miguel Almiron for his country at Copa America 2021 so far.
Having begun his career at Cerro Porteno, Romero enjoyed a good stint with Corinthians and currently plays for Argentine side San Lorenzo. He has arguably been Paraguay's best player at Copa America 2021 so far, scoring two goals in his country's opening game against Bolivia and looking sharp in the game against Argentina.
The 28-year old is the joint top goalscorer at Copa America 2021 with two goals alongside Eduardo Vargas and Neymar. Paraguay have begun well and will be keen to keep up this momentum.
#2 Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Argentina have enjoyed a good start to their Copa America 2021 campaign, with two wins out of three.
The performances have been subdued, but Lionel Messi has been at the heart of every positive move. Arguably the greatest to have played the game, the Barcelona superstar scored a sensational free-kick against Chile, and in the next game against Uruguay he set up Guido Rodriguez's goal in the first-half.
Messi has been joy to watch at Copa America 2021 so far, with his world-class ball control and creative play standing out. Argentina have scored just three goals in Copa America 2021 so far, but should have had more.
#1 Neymar (Brazil)
Brazil have been excellent at Copa America 2021 so far, scoring seven goals and conceding none in their opening two games.
Neymar has been at the forefront of Brazil's quality attacking display. He scored a penalty in the second-half against Venezuela, followed by a second-half goal in the 4-0 win over Peru. His dynamic style of play has been important for Brazil, and there is no doubt that the 29-year-old is his country's most important attacker.
The Paris Saint-Germain man is regarded as one of the best players in the world, and at Copa America 2021 Neymar is weaving his magic. Brazil look in ominous form right now.
Also Read: Copa America 2021: 5 surprise contenders for Player of the Tournament
