Copa America 2021: 5 surprise contenders for Player of the Tournament

#3 Luis Muriel (Colombia)

Luis Muriel

Luis Muriel could be one of the names to watch out for at Copa America 2021. He has been one of the key players in Gian Piero Gasperini's Atalanta side for a while.

The Colombian striker has predominantly been utilised from the bench by Gasperini but to devastating effect. Muriel made just 16 starts for Atalanta in the league in 2020-21 but scored 22 goals and provided nine assists.

2️⃣9️⃣° gol stagionale! 🕺🏽 @Luisfmuriel09 ha avviato la rimonta colombiana nel pareggio contro l'Argentina! 👏🏽Goal n. 2️⃣9️⃣ this season! 💥 Luis #Muriel led #Colombia comeback against #Argentina last night! 👏🏽#WCQ #GoAtalantaGo ⚫️🔵 📸 @FCFSeleccionCol pic.twitter.com/UcAgttmDCF

— Atalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) June 9, 2021

With star man James Rodriguez not included in the Colombia squad, Luis Muriel and Duvan Zapata will have to shoulder the burden of leading their country's attack at the tournament. Muriel has scored eight goals in 38 appearances for Colombia, but his form for Atalanta suggests he could enjoy a prolific Copa America campaign.

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#2 Duvan Zapata (Colombia)

Duvan Zapata

Like Luis Muriel, his Colombia and Atalanta colleague, Duvan Zapata, has benefitted hugely due to Gasperini's attack-minded playing philosophy.

Zapata is the starting striker for Gasperini's Atalanta and will also do so for Colombia at Copa America 2021. A strong player with good passing and finishing ability, the 30-year old made 29 starts for Atalanta last season, scoring 15 goals and providing nine assists.

Colombia's progress at Copa America 2021 will hinge on the performances of Zapata and Muriel. It is evident that both players have improved under the tutelage of Gasperini, so a strong Copa America 2021 campaign could see them attract the attention of top clubs in the continent.

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#1 Alexis Sanchez (Chile)

Alexis Sanchez

Alexis Sanchez has become the forgotten man. Regarded as one of the best in the world while he was at Arsenal, a poor stint with Manchester United significantly reduced his stock.

Now at Inter Milan, the 32-year old was largely a fringe player for Antonio Conte's Serie A-winning side. Sanchez made just 12 starts in the league for Inter Milan, scoring seven goals and providing five assists, as Conte preferred Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez ahead of the Chilean.

⚽ Leo Messi and Alexis Sanchez both scored in Argentina and Chile's 1-1 draw last night 🫂 It's the first time both have scored in the same match since their Barcelona playing days in 2014 pic.twitter.com/XOWquPRS9f

— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) June 4, 2021

For Chile, though, Sanchez remains a bonafide star. Having played a stellar role in his team's Copa America triumphs in 2015 and 2016, Sanchez will be in action at Copa America 2021 as well.

With 138 caps and 46 goals for Chile, Sanchez is one of the most experienced players in his team. And it is not implausible that the former Barcelona man enjoys a prolific campaign for his country at Copa America 2021.