The Copa America is nearly upon us and with that come the best talents from across the Americas and while the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Alexis Sanchez and James Rodriguez will steal the spotlight, a bunch of youngsters have the opportunity to express themselves in front of their fans.
We fondly remember the time Lionel Messi made his debut for his country and back then, people were excited to see him. While the youth might not do what the experienced players might do, they're the ones likely to take more risk and get you to the edge of your seat, after all, they have nothing to lose.
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And with South America producing some of the best footballers in the world right now, the youth from those countries are likely to be exciting, bold and confident. Here's looking at five youngsters who could turn heads this Copa America:
#5 Toni Sanabria
Often touted as one of Barcelona B's brightest talents, Toni Sanabria grew tremendously at the Catalan club's academy scoring plenty of goals and catching the eye of some of Europe's top clubs – but at the same time, overlooked by the Barcelona senior team.
English giants Arsenal and Serie A stalwarts AS Roma were the ones most likely to sign him but hesitated for the fee Barcelona B were asking. In came Serie A club Sassuolo who snapped him up for €5.7 million. A year later, AS Roma came calling again and the young Paraguayan pushed for the move and ended up signing for Rudi Garcia's men.
He has since gone out on loan to La Liga side Sporting Gijon impressing heavily by scoring eleven goals in twenty-nine appearances and standing out as one of the better players in the club's rather poor season – who escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth.
Now, he has the chance with Paraguay to show the world what he's truly capable of. His pace, finishing, and all-round striker play will be an invaluable asset for the team and they'll be looking to make a few upsets with him in their team.
#4 Jose Maria Gimenez
At 21, Jose Maria Gimenez already has thirty-one international caps and is in line to become a great at both club and country level. Training with his high-calibre international teammate, in Diego Godin, and partner on a daily basis is only a huge boon for the youngster.
Having already represented his country on the grandest stage of all: the FIFA World Cup, Gimenez has the world ahead of him and in this tournament has the chance to really shine for his country and show what he's so far promised us this season.
While Uruguay might steal the hearts of their fans with the likes of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani up top, Gimenez and Godin are the kind of defenders who wil ensure that the goalscorers do what they do best knowing well they have a strong foundation who can keep opposition strikers out.
#3 Ronald Matarrita
Costa Rica have for long been the dark horses of the Copa America. They've had decent forwards but often fail defensively and collapse unwittingly into oblivion. While they've improved their midfield, their defence seems to be finally a little better. The New York City FC team have enjoyed a rather successful season in the Major League Soccer this time around and they owe young Ronald Matarrita a lot.
The left-back has been excellent for the club this season even scoring a goal and his call-up to the national team is completely warranted with the way he's been able to consistently deliver with tracking back and clearing dangerous plays.
Still only 22-years-old, Matarrita has a long way to go in his international career and Costa Rica look like they finally have a defender capable of adequately contributing to both attack and defence. A move to a European club could be in the offering if he continues to show the kind of growth he's displayed over the last 12 months.
#2 Ismael Diaz
Possibly the biggest talent on this list if not for his sometime-inconsistent form, Ismael Diaz is the kind of striker who will eventually play for one of Europe's top clubs and stand out as an out-and-out winner.
Been allowed to grow and score for fun for his club, Porto B – on loan from Tauro FC – Diaz now heads into the Copa America Centenario as one of the brighter prospects Panama can boast of. Having scored thirteen goals in thirty-eight appearances for Porto B this season, he's caught the eye of plenty of scouts and agents in the Portugal and south Europe region.
At the Copa, he's likely to be the focal point of Panama's attacks and could surprise a few defenders with his burst of pace from the left-wing. Him cutting in from the left and scoring past defenders reminds people a lot of how Juan Iturbe used to do for Porto. Remember the name for he's one of the forwards who you could soon hear a lot about.
#1 Christian Pulisic
The unlikely hero in an otherwise dull squad, Christian Pulisic has the chance to finally show the top clubs of Europe what they missed out on. A Borussia Dortmund starter these days, Pulisic is the kind of flair player the States have needed for a long long time.
At only 17-years-of-age, Pulisic is a future star and given his record for the Ruhr club this season, it's impossible to overlook any of his achievements. Thomas Tuchel has been awestruck by the American's impact this season, he promoted him to the first team and has provided ample chances for him to shine.
In twenty-nine appearances for the club this season, Pulisic has scored an astonishing ten goals and assisted a further eight more outlining his impact on the squad. He also won the Bundesliga U17 Championship last season as well as becoming the youngest ever American to score a goal on the international stage with his goal against Bolivia in a recent friendly.
While Pulisic might not be able to single-handedly raise the level of his team and actually get them to content for the title, he'll be more than capable of doing it in the years to come as he improves. He's quick, finishes well and links up exceptionally well with his teammates – just the kind of star the USMNT need now and for the future.
