Copa America 2021: Team of the tournament

Right midfielder - Lucas Paqueta (Brazil / Lyon)

Brazil v Ecuador: Group B - Copa America Brazil 2021

Lucas Paqueta was one of Brazil's stars at Copa America 2021, and was a crucial figure for his nation in the latter stages of the tournament.

After a disappointing spell with AC Milan, Paqueta joined Lyon last summer and was one of the best midfielders in Ligue 1 during the 2020-21 season. After a slow start to the Copa America 2021 campaign, Paqueta scored winners against Chile and Peru in the quarter-final and semi-final respectively, and started in the final against Argentina.

A highly creative midfielder, Paqueta looks set to enjoy a bright future in the game. The 23-year old has been linked with Real Madrid in recent days.

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Central midfielder - Rodrigo De Paul (Argentina / Udinese)

Argentina v Ecuador: Quarterfinal - Copa America Brazil 2021

Rodrigo De Paul provided the assist for the sole goal in the final of Copa America 2021, and it perfectly encapsulated the excellent tournament he had.

His assist for Angel Di Maria's goal has to go down as the assist of the tournament. De Paul was magnificent in Argentina's midfield, contributing both defensively and offensively and impressing with his creativity and tenacity.

19 - Rodrigo De Paul was the Argentine player with the most duels (19), the second with the most passes (37, three less than Messi) and the author of the assist for the goal in the #CopaAmericaFINAL . Consecration. pic.twitter.com/DpxFV8bLGg

— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) July 11, 2021

De Paul is set to join Atletico Madrid soon from Udinese. The 27-year old had been Udinese's star man in recent seasons and it will be interesting to see how the Serie A club replace him.

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Central midfielder - Casemiro (Brazil / Real Madrid)

Brazil v Colombia: Group B - Copa America Brazil 2021

Casemiro was a constant presence in the first XI for Brazil at Copa America 2021, and was one of the better midfielders in the tournament.

Regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in world football, Casemiro has firmly established himself as a starter for both club and country. The 29-year old is now one of the leaders in the locker room for Brazil, and his influence continues to grow on a regular basis.

The Real Madrid star is a defensive behemoth who excels at protecting his defence. Casemiro is now an integral part of the midfield for Brazil, and at Copa America 2021 he produced some towering performances.

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Left midfielder - Luis Diaz (Colombia / Porto)

Peru v Colombia: Third Place Play Off - Copa America Brazil 2021

Colombia reached the semi-final of Copa America 2021, and the performances of Luis Diaz played a crucial role in their run.

In the absence of attacker James Rodriguez and subpar performances from Luis Muriel and Duvan Zapata, Diaz was the main man in attack for Colombia. He scored the equaliser in the semi-final against Argentina, and registered a brace against Peru in the match for 3rd place, which Colombia won 3-2.

What a Copa America for Luis Diaz 💫- Scored a bicycle kick against Brazil- Scored a brace in the third-place match against Peru- Finished the tournament with four goals pic.twitter.com/FtIVCbfxOp

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 10, 2021

Diaz finished the Copa America 2021 tournament with four goals, alongside Lionel Messi. The 24-year old's performances would not have gone unnoticed; Tottenham Hotspur are said to be tracking him.

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