Copa America 2019: Argentina vs Colombia - Combined XI

Right-back: Renzo Saravia (Argentina/FC Porto)

Despite the relative inexperience, Saravia has shown the potential to impress to a stage like this

Gabriel Mercado’s rather sombre club season with Sevilla cost him a place in Lionel Scaloni’s 23-man squad, as he now embarks on a new chapter with Qatar side Al-Rayyan. That opens the door for Saravia, who has only four caps under his belt. But he was given a chance to impress in the 5-1 demolition of Nicaragua, and made the most of the opportunity with an assured performance.

Centre-back: Yerry Mina (Colombia/Everton)

Colombia will once again look upon Mina for goals during corner kicks and free kicks

Yerry Mina was Colombia’s trump card in last year’s World Cup, scoring thrice in succession against Poland, Senegal and England - and all being close range headers as he took over the talismanic mantle while James Rodriguez struggled with match fitness. And even though Mina didn’t really go on to pull up trees with Everton in the following season, his aerial prowess will definitely pose a huge threat in dead ball situations again.

Centre-back: Davinson Sanchez (Colombia/Tottenham Hotspur)

After impressing with Spurs, it's time for Sanchez to do the same with Colombia

The 22-year old has been a revelation ever since he joined the Lillywhites in 2017. His assured displays at the back are a testament to the consummate ease with which he’s taken to the rigours of the Premier League, and that certainly also belies his age. Sanchez stepped up during Toby Alderweireld’s prolonged absence last year and was also the sole bright spot in a Spurs defence that went through the motions last season.

Left-back: Nicolas Tagliafico (Argentina/Ajax FC)

Tagliafico has become a regular in Argentina's set-up for some years now

Among Ajax’s lesser celebrated players of the otherwise young and exuberant side of last season is Tagliafico, who nevertheless did enough to catch Scaloni’s attention and give a chance to feature in the tournament proper.

He was calm, composed and committed in the defence, whilst also showcasing his attacking instincts by driving forward on regular occasions, as accentuated by his six goals and assists each in all competitions for the Grodinzonen.