Let’s take a look at the future of football!
The CONMEBOL Copa América, widely known as Copa América, is the premier football tournament for national teams from South and North America. The competition begins with a group stage featuring four groups of four teams each, progressing to a knockout phase. The defending champions, Argentina, claimed victory over Brazil with a 1-0 win in the 2021 Copa América final. International tournaments like the Copa América are excellent for scouting talented players. This year, young stars from Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and other nations are eager to make their mark. In the past, players like Lionel Messi, Ángel Di Maria, Neymar Jr., and many others have displayed their talents and risen to prominence in the Copa América. Let’s take a look at the top 5 youngsters to watch out for at the Copa América 2024.
The Chelsea-bound sensation has surmounted every challenge and is set to join Chelsea when he turns 18. As Ecuador’s youngest player ever in the senior national team, his talent and attacking abilities are evident and will be invaluable for Ecuador in the Copa América. At the club level, Páez has netted six goals and provided five assists in 18 appearances in the Serie A Primera Etapa and the Libertadores for Independiente del Valle.
Sávio, one of Brazil’s emerging talents, has been instrumental in Girona FC’s historic qualification for the UEFA Champions League. Already making a name for himself in La Liga, one of the world's premier leagues, Sávio has scored 10 goals and provided 11 assists in 37 La Liga appearances for Girona FC. Across all competitions, he has accumulated 12 goals and 11 assists in 41 appearances for the club. The Brazilian winger has also made his national team debut against England. Having demonstrated his skills in Spain, the Copa América 2024 presents a great opportunity for Sávio to prove his attacking excellence on an international stage.
At just 21 years old, Yunus Musah had several national teams to choose from, including Ghana, Italy, and England, but he ultimately chose to represent the USMNT. Making his senior team debut in 2020, Musah is not your typical modern winger; he excels on the right flank of a three-man midfield. He plays more like a traditional winger, known for his ball-winning abilities, ball-carrying skills, and excellent game reading. Despite his youth, Musah is one of the most experienced players on the team, with 36 caps for the USMNT already under his belt.
Manchester United, plagued by injuries more than any other team in the Premier League during the 2023–2024 season, has witnessed Alejandro Garnacho's rise as one of the league's standout players. Having made his senior team debut for Manchester United in 2022, Garnacho has now cemented his place in the starting XI due to his breakthrough performances this season. Known for his relentless work ethic, Garnacho is a tireless performer both on and off the ball. He puts in immense effort to win possession and applies pressure on opponents without possession. His close control and pace make him a formidable threat, often resulting in goals, assists, or creating scoring opportunities. Garnacho typically excels on the left wing and could be a valuable asset for Argentina.
With Gabriel Jesus absent, the centre forward position opened up, and Endrick is poised to fill it admirably. The highly anticipated talent, set to join Real Madrid, has been prolific for Palmeiras in the Série A and is known for his clinical finishing as a centre forward. Endrick has already earned his senior team debut for Brazil and made an immediate impact, scoring in all three of their recent friendlies. Notably, he came off the bench to score a dramatic 96th-minute winner against Mexico in one of these matches. Endrick promises to be a star for Brazil, poised to become their reliable goalscorer.
Big tournaments are occasions for the world to become familiar with these young talents. In this edition of Copa America, these talents will make a mark.
