Copa America will give fans around the world the chance to watch some of the finest footballers in the continent, while they also are introduced to some new performers. With twelve teams trying to win the tournament, narrowing down our selection to ten players was hard to do, but we think these are the ones who should be expected to carry the weight of their respective teams. Have a look and pay close attention to some of the names in this list. They should keep you entertained when you watch the South American showdown.
Lionel Messi
A player that needs no introduction, but still has a lot to prove. In order to be considered one of the best of all time, most fans ask "La Pulga" to win something with his National Team, and we can't think of a better chance for him to do so than this tournament. After getting pretty close to winning the World Cup last year, Messi will try to start a new cycle with La Albiceleste by winning the Copa America, a tournament they haven't been able to win since 1993.
Messi's stats with Argentina: 97 games played, 47 goals, 28 assists.
Neymar
La Verdeamarelha sets its hopes on the shoulders of the very talented Barcelona footballer. Last year, Neymar's absence was too much for Brazil to overcome, and this time around, Dunga will need him to show his class one more time, since talent is not one thing the Brazilians have a surplus of. After some key players got injured, Barcelona's number 11 will be one of the most exciting players to watch, since he can dribble, assist, score and even mock opponents. This will be Neymar's second Copa America appearance with La Canarinha.
Neymar's stats with Brazil: 62 games played, 43 goals, 25 assists.
James Rodriguez
Colombia's superstar had a wonderful year with Real Madrid, despite not winning any trophies with Los Blancos. James will be leading a multi-talented Colombian side, where they will try to deny Brazil from finishing first in Group C. Number 10 for La Selección Colombia will be in charge of dishing out assists for Jackson Martinez and Radamel Falcao, if he can find the way to recover his previous form. Being just 23 years old, this will be Rodriguez's first Copa América, and he will try to lead Colombia to another title, just like the one they won in 2001.
Rodriguez's stats with Colombia: 32 games played, 12 goals, 9 assists.
Arturo Vidal
Being one of the hosts' most talented players, Vidal will have to help Alexis Sanchez in order for the Chileans to win their first-ever Copa América title. Vidal is fully recovered from an injury which prevented him from showing his class during last year's World Cup. This year, "King Arthur" has been key to Juventus' success, and he will try to transfer his good moment when he puts on La Roja's jersey. The 28-year old midfielder will make his second appearance with Chile's National Team, and he will be aiming to win it all, just like he did this year with Juventus in all Italian tournaments.
Vidal's stats with Chile: 64 games played, 9 goals, 6 assists.
Nicolas Lodeiro
The Uruguayan midfierlder will be in charge of helping Edinson Cavani. Los Charruas will suffer without Luis Suarez, but a talented player such as Lodeiro could help make their fans forget about Barcelona's number 9 this summer. "Nico" has played for teams such as Ajax and Boca Juniors, and the 26-year old is one of Uruguay's most interesting players for this tournament, which they won in 2011. This will also be the chane for Lodeiro to prove he is reliable enough to be granted a spot in Oscar Tabarez's lineup, after a few years struggling with injuries.
Lodeiro's stats with Uruguay: 36 games played, 3 goals, 6 assists.
Luis Montes
"El Chapo", one of Mexico's most talented players, spent most of his career in the Mexican second tier division, but once he got León back to the Liga MX, he became one of the most exciting players in the league. He led León to back-to-back titles in 2013 and 2014, but his progression ended abruptly due to an injury that forced him out of the World Cup. Coach Miguel Herrera waited for him to be available, and he didn't hesitate to call him up for Copa America duties once he knew the player was fit. Even though he is 29 years old, Montes still has to show in the international scene what he is capable of, and this tournament could be his ticket for bigger and better things.
Montes' stats with Mexico: 14 games played, 3 goals.
Fidel Martinez
"Ecuador's Neymar" may be one of the best kept secrets for football fans. This versatile player can perform on the wings or just behind the strikers, where his speed and ball handling skills may prove quite useful for his National Team. Martinez was his team's top scorer during the last year, but he could not prevent Leones Negros' relegation from Liga MX football. He was included in Ecuador's squad for the past World Cup, but his coach did not grant him any minutes. Martinez is seen as one of his National Team's most talented players, and he could prove that once during his first tournament as a starter.
Martinez's stats with Ecuador: 11 games played, 2 goals.
Jefferson Farfán
The 30-year old's had his share of problems when it comes to playing with his National Team, but coach Ricardo Gareca seems to trust him with a new responsibilty. Los Incas' manager has stated he will play Farfán as an attacking midfielder, a role which "La Foquita" enjoys. Schalke 04's player will be in charge of helping Paolo Guerrero and Claudio Pizarro score some goals, and after recovering from a knee injury, Farfán is ready to lead the Peruvian side once and for all to the heights they were used to.
Farfán's stats with Perú: 62 games, 17 goals, 3 assists.
Juan Arango
Venezuela's veteran playmaker may be living his final moments with La Vinotinto, but he still has some talent ready to be seen. Currently playing for Tijuana, Arango has made a name for himself with his superb free kick skills, being praised by players such as Andrea Pirlo and David Beckham. After Venezuela's historic performance in the last Copa América edition, Arango may want to say good bye to his beloved National Team by repeating their fourth place from four years ago.
Arango's stats with Venezuela: 126 games, 23 goals, 23 assists.
Jhasmani Campos
The Bolivian midfielder, nicknamed "El Mago"(The Wizard), is one of La Verde's most talented players, who still has a lot to show for a highly irregular team. During his career, Campos has run into a number of injuries that have prevented him from showing his class in top tier teams, but he is seen as one of Bolivia's hopes for the future. With the help of veteran striker Pablo Escobar, Campos is expected to be one of this tournament's players to watch, and maybe weeks after his 27th birthday, he will finally get his break in international football
Campos' stats with Bolivia: 28 games, two goals.
