Tokyo Olympics 2021 football final: Spain vs Brazil - 5 players to watch

Spain and Brazil will square off for gold in the Tokyo Olympics 2021 men's football match on Saturday.
Spain and Brazil will square off for gold in the Tokyo Olympics 2021 men's football match on Saturday.

#3 Pedri | Spain

Pedri had a breakthrough 2020-21 season.
Pedri had a breakthrough 2020-21 season.

One of the breakout stars of the 2020-21 campaign in European football has been Spain and Barcelona midfielder Pedri. The player, who turned 18 last November, has been an ever-present figure for both club and country. He's already played in 72 games this season. When he features in the final against Brazil, he'll have the most appearances during the 2020-21 campaign, overtaking Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes.

Pedri has impressed with his distribution skills and tireless running and was key to Spain's road to the final. He has completed the most passes into the final third at the Olympics.

The Euro 2020 Young Player of the Tournament winner will be looking to help Spain to their first Olympic title since 1992. His distribution skills from the middle of the park will be a key factor in determining how well Spain fare against the reigning champions.


#2 Matheus Cunha | Brazil

Matheus Cunha
Matheus Cunha

Matheus Cunha is a relatively lesser-known player on this list. However, he has a lot of potential and scored two of Brazil's eight goals in the competition. The Hertha Berlin striker is a versatile attacking player and is as comfortable in link-up play as he is in front of goal. He was the top scorer in the qualifying stage.

The 22-year-old missed the semifinal against Mexico on account of a muscle injury but has since trained with the squad and is in contention to start in the final. His ability to run at the defenders and open up space for his teammates in the final third will come in handy against Spain.


#1 Richarlison | Brazil

With five goals, Richarlison is the top-scorer at the Olympics.
With five goals, Richarlison is the top-scorer at the Olympics.

Richarlison is one of three overage players in Brazil's Tokyo Olympics 2021 squad. His inclusion in the squad was justified by five goals in five appearances, including a first-half hat-trick against Germany.

The 24-year-old has led the way in front of goal for Selecao. Only three of their players have found the back of the net for them in the competition. Of them, the Everton striker has scored five of their eight goals so far.

Richarlison has been in incredible form during the 2020-21 campaign and will be hoping to cap it off with the winning goal in the Olympic finals against Spain.


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