The South American Football Championship or what we call today as the CONMEBOL Copa America will kick off on 14th June in Brazil and will include 12 countries in this year’s edition. Two countries from Asia in Qatar and Japan will also take part in the prestigious International cup competition.
Let’s take a look at the three Premier League stars to watch out for in the competition.
Sergio Aguero
After completing a domestic whitewash with Manchester City, the Argentine will look forward to lifting his maiden trophy with the national side. The 31-year-old has failed to lift the cup at the final stage in two previous editions in 2015 and 2016 losing to Chile on penalty-shootouts on both occasions.
However, the Argentine will be a starter this time around with Gonzalo Higuain retiring from international football earlier in the year. Aguero scored a whopping 32 goals and assisted 10 more for his teammates in 46 appearances for the Sky Blues and looks in fine form ahead of the tournament in Brazil.
Alisson Becker
Alisson will take his place between the posts for Brazil who are touted as the favourites. The Samba nation will have a glorious opportunity to lift the trophy in their own backyard after failing to reach the semi-final stage in the previous three editions of the competition.
The 26-year-old goalkeeper is coming on the back of a successful campaign with the Reds after lifting the Champions League trophy in Madrid. On an individual level too he was magnificent, conceding only 34 goals in 51 appearances managing an excellent 27 shutouts.
The Liverpool goalkeeper could make the difference for the hosts who just lost their talisman Neymar Jr. to another injury and have recalled Chelsea’s Willian as his replacement.
Lucas Torreira
Another contender for lifting the Copa America in Brazil is Oscar Tabarez’s men who have been a force to reckon with in international tournaments. Last year they knocked out Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in the World Cup in Russia, a tournament where Torreira flourished, catching everyone’s eye with his dashing displays at the centre of the pitch.
His performances were so impressive that Arsenal came calling for him right after the World Cup. He also had a good start at the Emirates and became a fan favourite scoring against fierce rivals in Tottenham Hotspur in the north London Derby.
He has been in and out of the Gunners starting eleven lately and stands a glorious chance to regain his form once he goes out on the pitch wearing the national colours.
Stat Courtesy: Transfermarkt