With the
2011 Copa America already kicking off, let’s take a look at some of the hidden talents expected to shine. While many people already are fully aware of the likes of Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez and Diego Forlan who else can make an impact for their nation this summer? Check out my list down below:
1. Neymar (Brazil & Santos)Age: 19
Position: Striker
This 19-year-old Santos star is the man of the moment in world football. The magic he has already shown at Santos and in the South American U20 Championship has put him in the eyes of massive European clubs such as Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid. Now, the striker wants to set up his dynasty in the Brazil national team. He can shoot, he can crack a glorious pass at anytime in a game and definitely has the vision needed to be a perfect footballer.
2. Ganso (Brazil & Santos)Age: 21
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Another Santos youngster who just helped his club side to win the Copa Libertadores. Ganso has been touted as Brazil’s next great hope in the middle of the park, with his vision and passing ability will be vital for Mano Menezes' team. Comparisons already being made with Kaka as he likes to sit in the hole behind the strikers, but the playmaker is not in the Kaka mould. Ganso plays more like Argentina’s Juan Roman Riquelme. At 6’0” he has the physical presence that has made him the object interest to a host of European clubs. A move to AC Milan has been mooted. Along with Santos's other wonderkid Neymar he is Brazil's brightest prospect.
3. Alexis Sanchez (Chile & Udinese)Age: 22
Position: Right Winger / Striker
The man everyone wants. He has got more teams squabbling over him than Neymar, and for good reason. Still only 22, the man nicknamed El Nino Maravilla has the versatility to play on either wing, as a striker and attacking midfield. His startling speed and control have made Sanchez lethal in the final third in Serie A, and he will look to reproduce this form on the international stage. The wing wizard may or may not be on his way to Barcelona following the tournament.
4. Giovanni dos Santos (Mexico & Tottenham Hotspurs)Age: 22
Position: Attacking Midfielder
The former Barcelona man and used to be called the “new Ronaldinho”, the young Spurs misfit is the most senior international in this Mexico squad at the tender age of 22 with 45 caps. Fresh from a man-of-the-match display in the Gold Cup final, which he capped with a staggeringly good individual goal, the Mexican maestro has continued to turn it on for his country and the next few weeks should put him firmly in the shop window.
5. Lucas Barrios (Paraguay & Borussia Dortmund)
Age: 26
Position: Striker
The Argentine-born striker is shining in Germany where he recently lifted the Bundesliga title with Borussia Dortmund, which saw him finish as the club's top scorer with 19 goals in 33 games. Confident and in form, he is a natural predator, accomplished in the air and capable of conjuring a finish from anywhere inside the penalty area, the 'Pantera' appears to have the world at his feet ahead of the Copa.
This tournament will help show his quality before stepping onto Europe’s biggest stage next season.
6. Arturo Vidal (Chile & Bayer Leverkusen)Age: 24
Position: Defensive Midfielder
A true box-to-box presence for club and country, Vidal has developed into one of the Bundesliga's most complete players over the past two years and was the driving force behind Leverkusen's assault on the title in 2010-11. A remarkable haul of 13 goals and 12 assists last season exemplifies that he is far more than just a pitbull. Bayern Munich are among those clubs keen to acquire his services this summer, though that list is likely to lengthen considerably.
7. Marcos Rojo (Argentina & Spartak Moscow)Age: 21
Position: Left Back
The Spartak Moscow defender has become a regular starter for Argentina under Sergio Batista. A centre-half by trade, Roja will be used as a left-back in the tournament. Loves to bomb down the left touchline, and when given the chance he has a thunderbolt shot.
8. Javier Pastore (Argentina & Palermo)Age: 22
Position: Attacking Midfielder
The young playmaker had a stand out season in Serie A and is attracting a vast array of interest from Europe’s elite. The 22-year old Argentine currently plays for Palermo in Italy, though the chairman has suggested that they have rejected a €50million bid from an unnamed club. Pastore is a tall playmaker with a great touch and an ability to finish. However, it will be difficult to cement his place in the first team given Batista’s favoured formation.
9. Jose Salomon Rondon (Venezuela & Malaga)Age: 21
Position: Forward
Rondon is by far the best player Venezuela will field in 2011. Despite his tender age, the forward managed 14 league goals from 29 games in La Liga last season for a struggling Malaga team. His physical stature, shooting ability, and strength in the air remind viewers of Didier Drogba, and he looks certain to have a glittering future in the game. Without a doubt, the main attacking threat for Cesar Farias' team.
10. Sebastian Coates (Uruguay & Nacional)Age: 20
Position: Central Defender
This youngster looks set to sign for Sao Paulo, after being a rock at the back for boyhood club Nacional over the last three years. The towering defender has excellent control and awareness, he could push first-choice pairing Godin and Lugano hard for a place over the course of the competition.
11. Marcelo Martins (Bolivia & Shaktar Donetsk)
12. Abel Hernandez (Uruguay & Palermo)
13. Lucas (Brazil & Sao Paolo)
14. Yohandry Orozco (Venezuela & Wolfburg)
15. Felipe Caicedo (Ecuador & Manchester City)
16. Jhasmany Campos (Bolivia & Oriente Petrolero)
17. Pablo Armero (Colombia & Udinese)
18. Lucas Moura (Brazil & Sao Paolo)
19. Joel Campbell (Costa Rica & Saprissa)
20. Aldo Corzo (Peru & Universidad San Martin)
