da bet7k： From Folarin Balogun to Alejandro Garnacho, there are plenty of players set to take center stage in the U.S.
da fezbet： It happens at every major international tournament. Someone, somewhere, for some team, comes out of relative anonymity to make a statement on the big stage.
There have been plenty of examples in recent years. James Rodriguez earned himself a Real Madrid move with a magical 2014 World Cup. Alexis Mac Allister asserted himself as one of the world's best midfield generals in the 2022 tournament in Qatar. Michael Owen came alive for England at the 1998 World Cup.
The Copa America is no different. This has been the tournament in which talents such as Neymar and Alexis Sanchez have introduced themselves to the world. Not every nation has that calibre of player, of course. But there is enough talent in this tournament for every side to have at least one fresh face step into the spotlight when it matters most.
GOAL takes a look at who might just do that this year…
Getty ImagesArgentina: Alejandro Garnacho
It remains to be seen just how significant of a role Garnacho will play. A pure winger for a side stacked with center forwards and attacking midfielders, he doesn't seem to have an obvious fit into Lionel Scaloni's team. Instead, he might be an ideal spark plug off the bench, the perfect late option to run at defenders just as legs start to tire. He has shown that he can be that for Manchester United. Can he do the same for the reigning champs?
AdvertisementPeru: Piero Quispe
This is an interesting Peru squad, filled with experienced veterans of the domestic league, some uncapped talents, as well as a handful of known-quantites from the Argentinian top flight and MLS. Leading the new wave of young talent is Pumas midfielder Piero Quispe. The playmaker made his national team debut in 2022, but scored in a friendly in March, and enjoyed a successful season in Liga MX. Nottingham Forest and Brighton are reportedly interested in the versatile playmaker – who will need to show up to give the struggling Blanquirroja any chance.
GettyChile: Ben Bereton Diaz
Chile are a side very much in between generations. The famous squad complete with Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal has mostly moved on, leaving room for some fresh faces to show their quality. Bereton Diaz will be key for his side, though. A familiar name to fans of English football, the former England youth international and Villarreal talent is waiting for his moment to piece it all together on the international stage. With Chile's attack otherwise thin, this could be his chance.
GettyCanada: Alistair Johnston
Jesse Marsch faces some interesting decisions with his first Canada squad, with questions to be answered all over the pitch. Celtic's Alistair Johnston, though, should be the definition of dependability at full back, and has shown for the SPL champs that he can mark anyone. A bigger move might be ahead, and this could be his summer to prove it.