Copa America 2011: Top 15 Players To Watch out for

South America’s premium national competition is back ,this time in Argentina and its not only the holders Brazil,who are raring to go but the other footballing nations who have the talent to make the headlines. SportsKeeda has the list for the the top 15 talents to watch out this summer.

15. ANTONIO VALENCIA (MANCHESTER UNITED & ECUADOR)

Started the season very well. However, an injury in September ruled him out for the greater chunk of the season. He came back strongly in the end of March to help Manchester United win its record 19^th trophy. The Ecuadorian right winger has pace and plays in the world’s toughest league which makes him his county’s key player. Records show he doesn’t disappoint his much as he plays extremely well for the country in the 44 caps he earned for himself.

14. ROBINHO (AC MILAN & BRAZIL)

From being the British record transfer to a Manchester city reject, Robinho had a rediscovery of himself last season with AC Milan with the Serie A title in the bag. Robinho was not the first choice striker in the Milan 4-3-1-2 formation still he managed to bag 15 goals in 37 appearances throughout the season, playing a key role in Massimiliano Allegri’s plans. Already a senior in the present Brazilian squad, he will have to show his rediscovered form and live up to his expectations. Clearly a player capable of wreaking havoc on his opponents with his samba magic!

13. ALEXANDRE PATO (AC MILAN & BRAZIL)

An injury ride in the last phase of the season had almost put him in doubt for the Brazilian national squad. He scored 16 goals which is less considering he is a 30 goal a season striker. However, the 2010-11 season was seen as the one in which Pato came of age. Coach Dunga will be nonetheless delighted to have him back and his presence will certainly boost Brazil’s chances to defend the title.

12. JAVIER PASTORE (PALERMO & ARGENTINA)

Amid rumours that he will be leaving Palermo , the Argentine central playmaker will be the team’s engine with Javier Mascherano . ‘El Flaco‘ was in a red hot form for Palermo and scored 11 goals for them. Surely he will be pivotal in sending the pin-point passes required for the likes of Carlos Tevez and Lionel Messi.

11. LUIS SUAREZ (LIVERPOOL & URUGUAY)

Liverpool fans have already termed the 2010-11 seasons as a season of two halves and Luis Suarez seems to be the protagonist of the second season. This £22 million signing from Ajax in January has performed exceedingly well for the Reds. And to top that, he even performs better for the national side as seen in 2010 World Cup, where due to his exploits his fellow striker Diego Forlan, Uruguay reached the semi-finals of the 2010 edition.

10. THIAGO SILVA (AC MILAN & BRAZIL)

When you are a defender and you are decisive week in week out, you have a good claim to be one of the best in the world in your position. Thiago Silva now is one of the best defenders in the world. He was perfect this year for Milan, even against tough opponents such as Eto’o and Cavani.

09. LUCAS BARRIOS (BORUSSIA DORTMUND & PARAGUAY)

The Argentine-born Paraguay international was a menace in front of goal for the German side, and a key reason why Jürgen Klopp’s team lifted the 2010-11 Bundesliga title. Barrios finished BVB’s top marksman with 14 league goals, continuing his impressive scoring record which now stands at 33 in 64 games in the Bundesliga.

08. ANGEL DI MARIA (REAL MADRID & ARGENTINA)

Had a very good season for the Los Blancos having helped them with 20 assists and 10 goals. But still didn’t got the much limelight except the end of season wage controversy. He was a transfer target for top European clubs especially after he performed well for Argentina in their world cup campaign. He will be eager to do well in front of the home crowd and may possibly remind people that he still exists.

07. ARTURO VIDAL (BAYER LEVERKUSEN & CHILE)

Together with Nuri Sahin, Vidal demonstrated in this Bundesliga season how a modern “six” has to play. Very aggressive in tackles, keeping control on the balance in midfield and open attacks with dangerous passes and possessing own creative impulses. It’s not a surprise that Vidal is linked with Europe’s top clubs after this great season.

06. CARLOS TEVEZ (MANCHESTER CITY & ARGENTINA)

Had a season which was more eventful off the pitch than on it. Nevertheless he scored 20 goals for Manchester City in helping them getting the crucial Champions League spot and securing the prestigious FA cup, city’s first silverware in 35 years. Playing in front of his home crowd, it will surely be a delight to watch City’s talismanic captain.

05. LIONEL MESSI (BARCELONA & ARGENTINA)

Needs no introduction to who he is and what is his ability. The most famous football player on the planet had a fabulous season with Barcelona scoring over 50 goals. Though he has not been able to show his club form for the national side, he will be definitely looking to make amends with a Copa America medal this time.

04. RADAMEL FALCAO (FC PORTO & COLOMBIA)

Having played a major role for Porto’s success in the season gone by, Falcao will surely be Colombia’s top marksman. He broke Jürgen Klinsman’s record for the maximum number of goals in a single season in the Europa league on his way to leading Porto to glory.

03. NEYMAR (SANTOS & BRAZIL)

Already being dubbed as the new ‘Pele’ by his fellow national team mate Robinho, this 19 year old has every bit of Samba magic and the pedigree to be a world class player.

02. ALEXIS SANCHEZ (UDINESE & CHILE)

Probably the man of the moment in the transfer market, Alexis Sanchez had a brilliant season for Udinese. Sanchez plays as a right winger and can also play as a shadow striker . Having scored 12 goals for the Serie A outfit and currently wooed by FC Barcelona, El Nino Maravilla surely knows how to torture the opposition.

01. EDINSON CAVANI (NAPOLI & URUGUAY)

This Uruguayan is a complete player. Strong, Technically perfect and possessing outstanding athleticism he is devastating in front of the goal. He plays as central striker for Napoli and has scored 26 scores in the Serie A. He can also play in a wider position and is Uruguay’s most dependable player.