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After witnessing some thrilling encounters in the European Club competitions, the focus has now shifted to Copa America, one of the most prestigious competitions in the American subcontinent.
This year’s Copa America is being played in Brazil and the host nation has already started its campaign with a 3-0 win over Bolivia. Although the South American team will be missing their flamboyant forward Neymar due to an injury, Brazil has got enough talent in their dug-out to win the trophy. Brazil registered an emphatic win over Peru with a 5-0 scoreline.
Defending champions Chile will be looking to defend the title after winning it in 2016. Their 2-1 win over Equador on Friday have enhanced their chances of making it to the quarter-finals.
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This is the first ever Copa America tournament when Asian teams like Japan and Qatar have been invited to play. Round 3 of the tournament has already begun and the race for the quarter-final will get intense from here on. Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela have already made it to the quarter-finals.
Amidst this, there are some high-class players in the American Subcontinent who are trying to make their mark at the highest level.
Here are the top 5 players who can set the stage on fire in the tournament.
#1 David Neres
David Neres will be eager to continue with his impressive run after producing some fine performances for Ajax FC in the Champions League. Neres is considered as one of the future stars of Brazilian football.
The Brazilian will be the core of the forward line along with Roberto Firmino as the duo can outperform any defense on their day.
His combination with Firmino will be crucial in the forward line as Jesus hasn't been a regular starter. The 22-year-old can build up play with his creativity and intelligent moves which can trouble the best defenses.
The winger has showcased his class with some smooth functioning at the flanks which has caused problems for the teams whose defense has looked weak. Brazil has already made it to the quarter-finals and the 22-year-old will be a vital cog for Tite's team from here on.
His combination with Philippe Coutinho in the midfield will also be crucial. In the absence of Neymar, the 22-year-old winger's role will become all the more important.
Playing against some of the greats of the game will surely help the Ajax FC forward grow as a player.
#2 Lucas Paqueta
Lucas Paqueta is a player who has got the ability to perform in big matches. Paqueta is considered as one of the most promising midfielders of the current generation.
The 22-year-old can topple any defensive outfit on his day with his accelerating pace and lightning quick counter attacks. His smart thinking will help the midfield to operate much more freely and efficiently.
The 22-year-old infuses a lot of pace and intensity in the midfield. His partnership with Philippe Coutinho will be crucial for Brazil in the midfield. Known for his exceptional goal-scoring skills, Paqueta is the kind of player who can score from any position which makes him a deadly option.
Paqueta is a busy player on the field and his never say die attitude could help his side to perform well during pressure situations. The AC Milan midfielder can change the outcome of a particular game with his individual brilliance.
#3 Lautaro Martinez
Lautaro Martinez is one of the finest talents Argentina have in their ranks at the moment. The 22-year-old is billed as one of the most exciting players who has got the ability to shine at the highest level.
The Inter Milan midfielder has got the tendency to move deep inside the opposition’s half with his speed and control which can baffle the best defenses. His greatest ability is to keep the ball in possession with his innovative moves.
Martinez can penetrate any defense with his aggressive and counter-attacking style of play. The Argentinian's form will be crucial for the team while his coordination with the forward line consisting of the legendary Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero will be vital. Martinez can also be a tricky operator during set pieces and aerial duels.
Manager Scaloni will be hoping the midfielder produces the desired results during demanding situations. Martinez can also frustrate the opposition with his ability to keep the ball in circulation with his clever passing.
#4 Duvan Zapata
After a promising season with Atalanta in the Serie A, Zapata will be eager to continue with his good run in the Pan American tournament. The 28-year-old holds a commanding position in the forward line and his form will be vital for Colombia. Zapata scored a goal in Colombia's 2-0 win over Argentina on 15th June. He also scored a goal in Colombia's 1-0 win over Qatar on 20th June.
Zapata is a kind of player who can run through the best defenses with his skilful moves and powerful runs. Zapata can also be played as an attacking midfielder because of his ability to play offensively as well as defensively.
The Atalanta striker can win games single-handedly for his side with his focus and determination. The Colombian can outrun any defense with his aggressive runs and combativeness.
His partnership with skipper Radamel Falcao and Roger Martinez in the forward line will be vital. His teamwork with James Rodriguez in the midfield will also be vital in the quarter-finals when it comes to playing against teams who are quick during counter attacks.
Zapata has currently scored 2 goals in the tournament and his form could be an encouraging sign for his team.
His role at the flanks will also be crucial against teams who are defensively stronger. Zapata can also play a crucial role in creating gaps in the opposition’s half with his clever passes.
Manager Carlos Queiroz will be optimistic about the striker's performance in their upcoming game against Paraguay tomorrow.
#5 Gaston Pereiro
Known to be a committed midfielder, Gaston Pereiro can overpower any big team when he is at his best. His electric runs and his ability to position himself in goal scoring positions can outsmart the best defenses. Pereiro is a special find for Uruguay as the 22-year-old has got enough time to develop himself as one of the finest midfielders of this generation.
Pereiro has already shown signs of the abundant talent he possesses. The 22-year-old can counter any defense with his ability to operate intelligently at both sides of the flanks. The midfielder can be a match-winner on his day with his skilful dribbles and deceptive moves.
Pereiro will surely be an integral part in the knockout rounds alongside Suarez and Cavani and if he manages to combine well with them, then this Uruguayan outfit can blank any team.
Pereiro has also showcased his ability to breach the opposition's defense with his speed and quick thinking which can catch the opposition by surprise.
His ability to win the ball from the opposition makes him the most threatening option in the midfield. It will be interesting to see how Pereiro combines with the likes of Lucas Torreira and Nicolas Lodeiro in the midfield. Uruguay plays a very important game against Chile on 25th June and Pereiro could be an x-factor in the squad.
