The figures of the CONMEBOL Copa América 2021

Each edition of the CONMEBOL Copa América brings together some of the most exciting stars in world football and the 2021 tournament will be no exception.

Group A will include Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay while Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela will be represented in Group B. The top four from each group will qualify for the quarterfinals.

We picked out some of the big names who will look to inspire their side to CONMEBOL Copa America glory and win the oldest national team tournament in football:

ARGENTINA

The star and leader of young coach Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina side could be none other than the great Lionel Messi. Soon to turn 34, the star continues to perform at the very highest level for Barcelona and the remarkable 10 wants to add a CONMEBOL Copa America crown to what is already an incredible list of achievements. Lautaro Martinez has brought great energy and confidence to the Argentine attack since his inclusion and the recently crowned Italian champion will begin the tournament in confident form.

BOLIVIA

Talismanic striker Marcelo Moreno continues to be Bolivia’s key man in attack. Back in Belo Horizonte the clinical finisher is looking to fire Cruzeiro back into the Brazilian top flight. Dominant in the air, Moreno is Bolivia’s all time top scorer and will be fundamental to any success César Farís’ men have at this year’s CONMEBOL Copa America

BRAZIL

Increasingly comfortable in the role of creative leader for Tite’s side, Neymar will shoulder the responsibility of guiding Brazil to a CONMEBOL Copa America double in 2021. The inventive, elegant number 10 will be able to rely upon mamy of the key men who secured the 2019 title including Marquinhos, Richarlison and Éverton Cebolinha, as well as Éverton Ribeiro and Renan Lodi.

CHILE

Alexis Sanchez arrives at the CONMEBOL Copa America with renewed confidence and enthusiasm having proven his quality with Inter and lifting the Italian league title. Sanchez has always performed for Chile but he will benefit from the consistent first team minutes and impressive form he has enjoyed this season for his club. The pacey, explosive forward has already won the CONMEBOL Copa America in both 2015 and 2016 alongside Inter teammate Arturo Vidal and Eduardo Vargas, the fifth highest scorer in the history of the South American tournment.

COLOMBIA

James Rodriguez’ surprising last minute absence has been a blow for Colombia who will have to look to other established stars to make a big impact in 2021. Juan Cuadrado has been hard-working and versatile across his Colombia career and the tricky winger is always capable of a match-winning moment of inspiration.

Add to that the explosive Luis Diaz and the Atalanta attacking pair of Duvan Zapata and Luis Muriel and Colombia should still offer a great threat in attack.

ECUADOR

Imposing, asserting central defender Robert Arboleda has been a consistent pillar at the heart of the Ecuador defense. The side approach the CONMEBOL Copa America in great form having demolished Colombia 6-1 and comfortably beaten a strong Uruguay side 4-1. Young midfielder Moises Caicedo is also one to watch with his energy, quality and maturity in the middle of the park.

PARAGUAY

Paraguay are built around a very strong defense with current Gustavo Gomez, captain of current Copa Libertadores champions Palmeiras, leading from the back alongside the strong, experienced Fabian Balbuena. Miguel Almiron provides speed and energy in transition while brothers Angel and Oscar Romero offer quality in attack.

Without question the talented Miguel Almiron, now at Newcastle in England, will be a fundamental player in Eduardo Berizzo’s set up. Almiron is considered one of the most talented players in the continent.

PERU

The most important players in the Peruvian delegation, head coached by Ricardo Gareca, in the 2021 CONMEBOL Copa América are the skillful Christian Cueva, experienced goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and the multifunctional Renato Tapia.

There are also new faces on the squad that might prove important for the Peruvian squad like forward Gianluca Lapadula, a dual national who plays for Benevento in Serie A, and Santiago Ormeño from Club León.

URUGUAY

Uruguay’s attacking pair seem to age like fine wine. Front 2 of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani continue to perform at the very highest level; Suarez approaches the tournament as La Liga champion with Atletico Madrid and Cavani comes off an impressive first season in England with Europa League finalists Manchester United.

VENEZUELA

After impressing at Libertadores’ finalists Santos, the diminutive winger Yeferson Soteldo moved to MLS with Toronto FC where he has already made a positive early start. With superb speed, technique and invention, the confident creator uses his low center of gravity to great effect as he works openings for the side. Josef Martínez will also again be key as a strong, intelligent focal point for Venezuela’s attack.