The 2024 Copa America is set to showcase some of the finest football talents from CONMEBOL and CONCACAF. While the likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar will undoubtedly dominate the headlines, it’s the ‘difference-makers’ in each team that we’re here to discuss. These are the players who, with their unique skills and contributions, could potentially turn the tide of the tournament. Let’s delve into the profiles of these key players who could make a significant impact in the Copa America 2024.
Argentina – Alexis Mac Allister
Much will be made of Argentina’s attack, and rightfully so. They have Messi, after all, and the focus will always be there. However, Alexis Mac Allister is the quiet star, the midfield lynchpin that effortlessly holds everything together. Playing alongside younger star Enzo Fernandez and the dynamic Rodrigo de Paul, Mac Allister’s contributions often go unnoticed. Yet, he is almost always pulling the strings. If Mac Allister is on form, Argentina’s midfield can compete with anyone, making them favorites in Copa America 2024.
Key Highlights
Club: Liverpool
Position: Midfielder
Strengths: Passing, Vision, Composure
Bolivia – Guillermo Viscarra
Bolivia knows their place in the hierarchy. Historically, they’ve been CONMEBOL’s underdogs, and that likely won’t change in this Copa America. They’ll need a miracle goalkeeping performance to make an impact. Guillermo Viscarra, with his experience and shot-stopping ability, could be the hero Bolivia needs. At 31, Viscarra has 19 caps and has established himself as a starter throughout World Cup qualifiers. His performances could be crucial for Bolivia to cause any upsets.
Key Highlights
Club: Club Bolívar
Position: Goalkeeper
Strengths: Reflexes, Shot-Stopping, Leadership
Brazil – Rodrygo
Vinicius Jr. is the superstar, and Endrick is the rising star. Rodrygo, however, is the under-the-radar star who could shine in Copa America 2024. Regularly overshadowed for club and country, Rodrygo has the versatility to play all over the front line and the quality to score plenty of goals. With Neymar out, much of the attacking pressure will fall on Vinicius and Endrick. If Rodrygo steps up, Brazil’s attack could be unstoppable.
Key Highlights
Club: Real Madrid
Position: Forward
Strengths: Versatility, Finishing, Creativity
Canada – Tajon Buchanan
Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David get all the attention, but Tajon Buchanan is a baller too. The former New England Revolution star, now at Inter Milan, is known for his dynamism on the ball and ability to beat defenders with ease. If Buchanan can exploit the space created by Davies, Canada could be a dangerous team in Copa America 2024.
Key Highlights
Club: Inter Milan
Position: Winger
Strengths: Dribbling, Speed, Agility
Chile – Eduardo Vargas
Eduardo Vargas and the Copa America have a storied history. Vargas has won the title twice with Chile and has been the tournament’s top scorer both times. With the rise of a new generation, Vargas and Chile’s old guard are being phased out, but he could still have one more run in him. His experience and goal-scoring ability will be crucial for Chile.
Key Highlights
Club: Atlético Mineiro
Position: Forward
Strengths: Goal-scoring, Experience, Composure
Colombia – Rafael Santos Borré
Rafael Santos Borré has star power around him with Luis Diaz out wide and James Rodriguez in behind him. However, can Santos Borré get the goals Colombia will need? The Internacional striker has been a star for River Plate and has a Europa League trophy, but his international goal tally is modest. His ability to find the net will define Colombia’s tournament.
Key Highlights
Club: Eintracht Frankfurt
Position: Forward
Strengths: Finishing, Positioning, Work Rate
Costa Rica – Kevin Chamorro
Replacing a legend is never easy, and Kevin Chamorro has the daunting task of succeeding Keylor Navas. At 24, Chamorro has just five caps but summer as Costa Rica’s starting goalkeeper. Despite the challenges, Chamorro has shown promise and resilience. His performances will be crucial for Costa Rica, especially as they transition from their golden generation to a new era.
Key Highlights
Club: LD Alajuelense
Position: Goalkeeper
Strengths: Reflexes, Shot-Stopping, Composure
Ecuador – Moises Caicedo
Selecting Moises Caicedo as Ecuador’s difference-maker feels like an easy choice. The Chelsea star is at the center of Ecuador’s most important question: is he merely a good player, or is he a superstar? If Caicedo reaches his full potential, Ecuador can be confident in their chances against top teams. His presence in midfield will be vital for Ecuador’s success in Copa America 2024.
Key Highlights
Club: Chelsea
Position: Midfielder
Strengths: Tackling, Passing, Stamina
Jamaica – Demarai Gray
Jamaica is missing one of their superstars due to Leon Bailey’s absence, but they still have attacking talent. Demarai Gray will be under the most pressure to fill the void left by Bailey. With five goals in his first 11 Jamaica appearances, Gray has shown he is capable of leading the Reggae Boyz this summer.
Key Highlights
Club: Everton
Position: Winger
Strengths: Speed, Dribbling, Finishing
Mexico – Santiago Giménez
Santiago Giménez is poised for a breakout on the international stage. Despite his heroics in the Eredivisie, Giménez has not been given a prominent role by El Tri until now. As Mexico rebuilds, Giménez will be a key figure in their attack. If he can replicate his club form, Mexico could make a deep run in Copa America 2024.
Key Highlights
Club: Feyenoord
Position: Forward
Strengths: Finishing, Positioning, Physicality
Panama – Adalberto “Coco” Carrasquilla
Panama may be underdogs from a talent perspective, but they have players who can change games. Adalberto “Coco” Carrasquilla is one of those players. The Houston Dynamo star won the Golden Ball at the 2023 Gold Cup and was instrumental in the Dynamo’s U.S. Open Cup run. Carrasquilla’s performances will be key for Panama’s chances.
Key Highlights
Club: Houston Dynamo
Position: Midfielder
Strengths: Dribbling, Vision, Work Rate
Paraguay – Julio Enciso
Injuries have limited Julio Enciso’s playing time this season, but his talent is undeniable. The young winger, who plays for Brighton, has shown glimpses of his potential in the Premier League. If he stays healthy, Enciso could have a breakout tournament and be a significant asset for Paraguay.
Key Highlights
Club: Brighton & Hove Albion
Position: Winger
Strengths: Dribbling, Speed, Creativity
Peru – Paolo Guerrero
At age 40, Paolo Guerrero is still going strong for Peru. Although he is no longer a starter, Guerrero remains a key figure off the bench. With 39 goals in 117 caps, he is Peru’s top goalscorer and a Copa America legend. His leadership and experience will be invaluable for Peru.
Key Highlights
Club: LDU Quito
Position: Forward
Strengths: Experience, Leadership, Finishing
Uruguay – Federico Valverde
Federico Valverde often operates in the shadows at Real Madrid, but for Uruguay, he might be the most important player. One of the best midfielders in the world, Valverde’s versatility and influence on the game make him crucial for Uruguay. Whether he plays centrally or out wide, Valverde will be the engine of Uruguay’s midfield.
Key Highlights
Club: Real Madrid
Position: Midfielder
Strengths: Versatility, Stamina, Tactical Intelligence
USMNT – Gio Reyna
The USMNT is a good team, but Gio Reyna is the player who can elevate them to greatness. At his best, Reyna is a creative force unmatched by any other player in the squad. However, he has struggled with form and fitness at the club level. If Reyna can find his best form, he could be the game-changer the USMNT needs to compete with the best in Copa America 2024.
Key Highlights
Club: Nottingham Forest
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Strengths: Creativity, Vision, Passing
Venezuela – Jose Martinez
MLS viewers will be familiar with Jose “El Brujo” Martinez. Known for his tenacity and willingness to engage in the dark arts of football, Martinez is a key player for Venezuela. His presence in midfield, alongside veterans like Tomas Rincon and Yangel Herrera, will be crucial for Venezuela’s hopes in the tournament.
Key Highlights
Club: Philadelphia Union
Position: Midfielder
Strengths: Aggression, Tackling, Work Ethic
The 2024 Copa America will showcase not only established superstars but also several key difference-makers who could shape the outcome of the tournament. From Alexis Mac Allister’s midfield mastery to Santiago Giménez’s goal-scoring prowess, these players will be crucial to their teams’ success. As fans, we can look forward to seeing how these talents rise to the occasion and make their mark on one of the world’s most prestigious football tournaments.
