Tottenham Hotspur are now keen on signing an “elite” Champions League goalkeeper, who could be brought in as a replacement for Guglielmo Vicario.
Spurs eyeing new goalkeeper amid Vicario criticism
Tottenham have been underperforming as a collective this season, currently sitting 13th in the Premier League, having won just one of their last five matches, but their goalkeeper has received some particularly heavy criticism.
Following the 3-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest last month, Jamie Carragher slammed Vicario for refusing to take responsibility, saying: “Typical Vicario, he’s always blaming someone else. Every time I see him when a goal goes in, he’s throwing his arms at someone else.”
Since then, the Italian has gone on to put in some improved performances, keeping clean sheets in two of his last four matches, but Jamie O’Hara remains unconvinced by the goalkeeper.
Interestingly, a report from TEAMtalk has revealed Tottenham have ‘growing concerns’ about whether the 29-year-old has a long-term future in north London, and they have now started looking at replacements.
The report states Tottenham are now keen on signing Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, who could be allowed to leave the Spanish club this year, despite being highly regarded at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Indeed, the Spanish club may now be willing to sanction Lunin’s departure, given that he has found game time hard to come by this season, and youngster Javi Navarro could be utilised as a back-up to Thibaut Courtois.
There could be fierce competition for the Ukrainian’s signature, with Nottingham Forest and Brighton & Hove Albion also named as interested parties, and there is a belief a move to the Premier League would strongly appeal to the £76k-a-week shot-stopper.
Lunin could be "elite" as a first-choice goalkeeper
The 26-year-old has made just two appearances for Madrid in all competitions this season, which came in the Champions League and Copa del Rey, suggesting he may need to leave the European giants for the good of his career.
The Ukraine international being a back-up goalkeeper arguably isn’t a great sign, but in fairness, he is playing second fiddle to Thibaut Courtois, and he has impressed at Real Madrid when given the opportunity.
Tottenham ready double-your-money offer for player who's keen to join Frank
Spurs are preparing a bid.
1 ByEmilio Galantini
Lauded as “elite” by scout Ben Mattinson, the Madrid ace played a major role in his side reaching the Copa del Rey final last season, keeping a clean sheet and making five saves from inside the box in a 1-0 win against Real Sociedad in the semi-final.
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The Kharkiv-born goalkeeper has also proven himself in the Champions League, making 13 appearances in Europe’s elite competition, including eight en-route to glory in the 2023/24 edition, during which time he received high praise from Carlo Ancelotti.
As such, should Tottenham decide not to persist with Vicario as their first-choice goalkeeper, Lunin could be a solid replacement.
Liverpool look set to miss out on a deal to sign Antoine Semenyo from Premier League side Bournemouth, as he closes in on a move to their rivals.
Manchester City are reportedly close to sealing a swoop for the Ghana international after positive talks with the Cherries, and the transfer could be completed in the coming days now that the January transfer window is open.
The Reds were said to be in the race to land the £65m-rated left winger at the end of last month, but the Cityzens appear to have won the race for his signature.
Semenyo’s return of nine goals and three assists in the Premier League this season, per Sofascore, suggest that it is a blow for Liverpool to miss out on his services this month.
Liverpool set to sign £43m star in January
However, the reigning Premier League champions are reportedly closing in on another player who could be an even better signing than Semenyo.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to the Mirror, Liverpool are set to complete a deal to sign Club Brugge central defender Joel Ordonez in the January transfer window.
The report claims that the Reds are poised to wrap up a move for the Ecuador international ‘in the coming days’, as they close in on their first signing of the month.
It adds that the initial fee for the centre-back is expected to be around £35m, but it could rise to £43m if add-ons are achieved, with Arne Slot keen to bolster his backline.
The outlet explains that Giovanni Leoni’s ACL injury and the fact that Ibrahima Konate’s contract expires at the end of the season have played a part in Liverpool’s move for Ordonez.
Why Ordonez is a better signing than Semenyo
Whilst missing out on Semenyo will be frustrating, because of his impressive output at the top end of the pitch this season, the Club Brugge centre-back could be an even better signing for the second half of the campaign and beyond.
Liverpool currently rank joint-fifth for goals in the Premier League this season, with 30 goals scored. Meanwhile, they rank joint-10th for goals conceded, with 26, and only eight teams have conceded more goals.
Konate’s individual errors have been costly for the Reds. Liverpool podcaster and writer Eddie Gibbs described him as “Liverpool’s most alarming fault line” who “looks like a footballer fighting his own reflection” earlier this season.
Jamie Carragher ripped into his defensive work in the 3-3 draw with Leeds United at Elland Road last month, as his defending partially led to the team giving up 2-0 and 3-2 leads.
The France international has been too much of a defensive liability this term, with six errors leading to shots, goals or penalties, per Sofascore, and Ordonez could come in to improve Slot’s backline by providing a more reliable presence alongside Virgil van Dijk.
25/26 season (all comps)
Konate
Ordonez
Appearances
24
21
Error led to shot
4
1
Error led to goal
1
0
Penalties committed
1
0
Dribbled past
6x
5x
Fouls committed
28
18
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the Club Brugge star has only made one error in 21 appearances in the Pro League and the Champions League combined this season, whilst he has also committed ten fewer fouls than the Liverpool flop.
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These statistics suggest that Ordonez is less likely to make costly errors at the back for the Reds, which could tighten up their defence and improve their defensive record in the second half of the campaign.
The 21-year-old star, who was described as “imressively complete” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, is also a consistent defender, as he only made one error that led to a shot or a goal for the opposition in his first two seasons in the Pro League with Club Brugge, per Sofascore.
Therefore, Ordonez would be an even better signing than Semenyo could have been because he has the quality to have a bigger short-term impact in an area of the pitch that Liverpool have struggled more in, whilst he is also four years younger than the attacker and has more scope to develop further in the future.
Liverpool now very interested in bargain deal to sign "excellent" Bundesliga star
The Reds are still chasing an attacking reinforcement.
ByTom Cunningham
The Ecuador international is also five years younger than Konate, whose contract expires in the summer, and this piece of business could ensure that they have their new long-term right-sided centre-back in the building already.
Jacques Kallis has attributed his enforced absence from the game for his Man-of- the-Series display against Pakistan in the two-Test series, which South Africa won 1-0.”I had a nice long break and it had done me a world of good,” said Kallis, fresh from scoring three centuries from four innings on his way to a series tally of 421 runs at an average of 210.50.”Targets and goals have never been huge issues for me. I’ve never really been one who sets targets. I try and play according to the situation of the game and whatever the team requires at that stage.”Kallis had not been included in the South African team for the ICC World Twenty20 and resigned from the vice-captaincy in protest. Despite persuasion from the South African board to reverse his stand, Kallis stuck to his decision. “I don’t think vice-captaincy plays too much of a role. Obviously the vice-captain comes in when the captain is injured. I don’t think it’s a huge difference.”Kallis was also satisfied by the progress made by his team. “One big thing for us now is we have found the spinner [Paul Harris] and we know what we can get from [him] and [that he will] do a good job for us. So I think that’s going to be a key for us. We have also found few fast bowlers that have come through – Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel. Andre Nel is obviously bowling well now and we have the experience of Polly [Shaun Pollock]. So I think we are finally getting a nice, rounded side where we have got most of our bases covered.”But Kallis has an eye on the future, with the major challenge being the away tour to Australia. “That will probably be the number one target. It’s a tough tour; they are the best in the world and they are ahead of everyone at the moment and you want to test yourself against them. Beating them would be sort of equivalent to winning a World Cup, certainly in the Test series.”Meanwhile, South Africa’s preparations for the upcoming five-match one-day series against Pakistan were hampered after Graeme Smith and Vernon Philander joined the sick bay. Smith was confined to his hotel room on Sunday after being laid low by a virus, while Philander is doubtful for the first ODI on Thursday due to hamstring strain. “His [Philander’s] rehabilitation may not start before Wednesday, making his chances of being available for selection pretty tight,” said Shane Jabbar, the team physiotherapist.
When Claire Taylor struck a matchwinning 156 at Lord’s this summer, it was a shame that her feat of eclipsing Viv Richards’s fastest one-day hundred at the ground in the 1979 World Cup final wasn’t to be recognised in the official record books.But Lord’s has taken the onus upon itself to honour Taylor’s achievement and on Thursday the ECB gave her a champagne reception before presenting her with her very own honours board at the ground which is installed by the Compton Stand.Taylor is the first female cricketer to be honoured with such a board at Lord’s which marked her 156 from 151 balls, as England swept to victory against India. She also received a commemorative bat.This step is the latest in a long line of very encouraging news for the women’s game this year. One highlight came over the summer, when Taunton became the official home of women’s cricket, providing a base for international matches and domestic finals for the first time.
The Titans were denied the chance to push for victory amid controversial scenes on the final at East London. The Warriors were struggling at 118 for 7 – still 26 behind – when bad light arrived and then rain started to fall with an hour remaining. The ground staff were slow to cover the pitch and, as a result, when the rain stopped the umpires would not allow play to restart because the pitch would have been dangerous. The Titans built up a huge 586 for 9 – to lead by 144 runs – with Zander de Bruyn reaching 175 before he was stumped off Robin Petersen. The Warriors were left with two sessions to survive but lost early wickets against the new ball. They slumped to 78 for 5, although Burton de Wett held firm for three hours. Paul Harris, a 26-year-old slow-left arm bowler, sent down 21 impressive overs, before he was denied the chance to have a match-winning role.The Lions completed a comprehensive six-wicket win against the Eagles at Potchefstroom with Stephen Cook stroking 63. His innings ensured the Lions had few alarms chasing their target of 173. Justin Ontong made 36 in a third-wicket stand of 65 before the captain, Neil McKenzie, guided them over the winning line.Hashim Amla completed a satisfying match by notching an unbeaten 58 as the Dolphins and the Cape Cobras played out a painstaking draw at Paarl. Amla and Doug Watson took the opportunity for an extended net session on the final afternoon against some unthreatening bowling. The most notable performance was a five-wicket haul for Ugasen Govender as the Cape Cobras were dismissed for 332.
Scorecard Joginder Sharma celebrated his inclusion in the Indian one-day squad with a burst that decimated the Vidarbha batting line-up at Nagpur. Joginder’s 8 for 24, his best figures in first-class cricket, skittled Vidarbha out for just 57 with only one batsman, Amit Deshpande, managing to reach double figures. Haryana were 208 for 8 in their second innings and all but assured of a massive victory. Scorecard Kerala suffered a humiliating innings-and-29-run defeat after being bowled out for 114 in their second innings at Palghat. Having collapsed for 117 on the first day, Kerala conceded a 143-run lead as all the Saurashtra batsmen chipped in with valuable contributions. S Jobanputra’s breezy 44 was one of the highlights before he accounted for both the Kerala openers with the ball. His partner with the new ball, S Maniar, finished with 4 for 33 as Kerala were shot out in 41.5 overs. Scorecard Orissa fought back through their medium pacers and trailed by just 74, with eight wickets in hand, at the end of the second day at Jamshedpur. Debasis Mohanty, Deepak Mangaraj and Pinninti Jayachandra snapped up all the wickets between them as Jharkhand lost their last eight wickets for a mere 100 runs. Mahendra Singh Dhoni added only 15 more to his overnight 113 and Jharkhand’s lead was kept down to 158. Orissa reduced the deficit to 74 by stumps with Shiv Sundar Das still unbeaten on 27. Scorecard Maninder Bisla and Sangram Singh cracked hundreds as Himachal Pradesh tightened their stranglehold against Jammu & Kashmir at Dharmasala. Their 125-run partnership built a solid foundation before Bisla and Ajay Mannu, who made 74, stretched the lead. Abid Nabi, the J&K opening bowler, mopped up the tail and finished with 6 for 91 but Himachal managed a comfortable 270-run lead. J&K were 58 for 1 in response and staring at a heavy defeat. ScorecardAvinash Aware and Sher Yadav got Goa back into the contest as they restricted Rajasthan to 227 in their first innings at Jaipur. Rajasthan were in a comfortable position at 162 for 3 before being pegged back by Aware’s medium pace and Yadav’s left-arm spin. Rajasthan managed to take the lead thanks to Rahul Kanwat’s unbeaten 46. Goa were 74 for 1 in reply when stumps were drawn. ScorecardArun Sharma’s six-wicket haul restricted Tripura to 237 before the Services batsmen seized the initiative on the second day at Agartala. Ramaswamy Prasanna, an import from Tamil Nadu, completed his debut hundred but Sharma, the left-arm spinner, cleaned up the tail to give Services the edge. The three Singhs then made vital contributions with the bat – Narender and Jasvir reached fifties while Yashpal was unbeaten on a patient 40.
Mark Richardson is the sort of batsman you don’t really travel miles to watch, but want in your side when the going gets tough. On a scorching day at Rajkot he held one end up in a manner that would have made Gary Kirsten proud, defying all manner of pace and spin. Forget Kirsten, it would have made John Wright proud, and that means a great deal to Richardson.”He [Wright] probably doesn’t know it but he is my role model,” said Richardson, pouring buckets of sweat after his marathon 381-minute stint at the crease. “I know when I was a kid and when I was playing backyard cricket, I wanted to be John Wright. Once I started batting, he’s the guy I tried to model my game on a little bit. I admire the way he played and if I could go half as well as him, I’d be pretty pleased.”But it could not always have been Wright as a role model, for Richardson began his first-class career as a left-arm spinner. When that began to fail, he put his head down and re-invented himself. “The fact was that I lost my bowling. I couldn’t bowl and I wanted to play first-class cricket. I started to play as a batsman and I would get very nervous waiting to bat so the best way to overcome the nerves was to bat first. I like the lifestyle of a first-class cricketer and I didn’t want to work in a factory or anything. I had to find a way of performing so I just put my head down and really self-taught my batting,” he said, as though it were a matter of snapping his fingers. Few people in the history of the game have gone from batting No. 11 to opening with such aplomb. Ravi Shastri springs readily to mind, but he again was a tough cookie mentally.”Ninety percent of batting today was mental, wanting to survive the whole day. This is my first bat in a game for probably three months since we returned from Sri Lanka,” he admitted. “We have done a lot of work in the nets but you can only do such much in the nets. I was desperate to get time in the middle and didn’t want to throw my wicket away cheaply but I hope I haven’t used all my luck up.” People who watched him bat will tell you there was hardly any luck involved in the course of Richardson’s unbeaten 128.Then again, there’s little reason to be surprised. Richardson had success in Sri Lanka on similar wickets. He puts his success down to a sound gameplan. “I just graft away. The wickets over in Sri Lanka were pretty flat. I put my head down and did what I know best. I don’t struggle overly with the heat. I find it tough but I’ve never had trouble with heat stroke or anything like that. I was just sticking to my gameplan, and it hasn’t changed in the last four years. I just stuck to that and hoped it would get me through.” He admits, though, that his technique against spin needs working on. “I am not overly happy with the way I play spin but I have got a technique that sort of works. I have had a bit of success with it and I just stick with it.”There’s so much talk of planning in this New Zealand camp that you might get the impression that the rest of the cricket world just walks out to the middle and has a whack. Pre-tour jousting began with talks of New Zealand’s special training camps where the accent was on mimicking Indian conditions. After scoring a century the good old-fashioned way, Richardson did the world a favour by debunking some of these myths. “We’ve done a lot of work about being accountable for our gameplans. We’ve only really had nets so we have tried to make the nets as close to game scenarios as we can and I think that does help when you go out to the middle rather than just treating net time as a bit of a hit. I don’t know if we are overly innovative but what we have worked on is being really, really dedicated in the way we train.”For some strange reason, that approach almost always seems to work.
Nashua Dolphins Squad selected to play in the Discovery Knockout ChallengeThe team for the Discovery Knockout Challenge to be played at Newlands on 2nd January will be chosen from the following squad:- THE TEAM WILL BE CHOSEN FROM THE FOLLOWING SQUAD:- 1. Doug Watson 2. Ashraf Mall 3. Ahmed Amla 4. Jonty Rhodes 5. Dale Benkenstein (Capt) 6. Jon Kent 7. Errol Stewart 8. Gulam Bodi 9. Nixon McLean 10. Andrew Tweedie 11. Jon Bastow 12. Rivash Gobind 13. Kyle Bender COACH: E. BAPTISTE MANAGER: D. CARLSTEIN FITNESS TRAINER: A. SHEDLOCK UMPIRES: R. KOERTZEN + B. JERLING T.V. UMPIRE: W. DIEDRICKS 4TH UMPIRE: L. MATROOS MATCH 1 (09H00) NASHUA DOLPHINS vs NASHUA TITANS MATCH 2 (12H30) NASHUA WESTERN PROVINCE vs HIGHVELD STRIKERS
Confronted by the pluperfect pitch they were promised and stymied by the traditional lack of variety in their all-pace attack, the West Indies once more let Pakistan wriggle out of a tight bind on the first day of the second Cable & Wireless Test at Kensington Oval yesterday.Almost exactly mirroring the first morning of the previous rain-ruined Test in Georgetown, when they were 39 for five, Pakistan found themselves 37 for five after an hour-and-a-quarter’s play.Sharp West Indian close fielders snared everything that came their way off bowlers who used their height to exploit the early bounce from a rock-hard surface and exploit the vulnerability of the Pakistani top order in such conditions.As the searing heat squeezed the early life out of both the surface and the bowling, Pakistan were revived by an innings of the highest class by Yousuf Youhana and the support he received from three successive partners.Entering in the fire straits of seven for three, the 25-year-old right-hander compiled his second Test hundred, a chanceless 115 before he was last out nearing the end of a protracted day. It was a tired shot, a deflection for the seventh slip catch of the innings, and gave the perennial Courtney Walsh his fifth wicket that raised his Test record count to 442.Although none matched the 206 between Inzamam-ul-Haq and Abdur Razzaq that transformed the innings in the first Test, Youhana’s counter-attacking stands of 73 with captain Moin Khan, 69 with Wasim Akram and 41 with Saqlain Mushtaq guaranteed a total of 253 that their varied bowling can work with.Sherwin Campbell and Adrian Griffith saw out the two overs the West Indies were left to bat before close and, on a second day when Kensington is traditionally at its most amiable to batsmen, the West Indies still have an excellent chance of building a useful lead.Previously out for four ducks on tour, the last first ball in the first Test, Youhana accumulated his runs over six hours with stylish, straight-batted orthodoxy that brought him 14 boundaries, mostly drives straight and through the off-side.No more than half-dozen of the 235 balls he received troubled him. Only leg cramps that twice required lengthy on-field attention and an unscheduled visit to the dressing room late in the proceedings slowed his progress – and that of the play that was extended by an annoying assortment of other interruptions.An inviting pitch, beige in colour, bare of grass and reminiscent of those on which the Three Ws, Sobers and the plethora of the great Barbadian batsmen of the past were raised, left Moin no option but to bat on winning the toss.In no time, he would have been wishing he hadn’t, as ill-advised strokes kept flying off edges into the slips and Razzaq’s clear aversion to the short ball was clinically exploited by Nixon McLean.Jimmy Adams, as he has done throughout the season, immediately set the standards for his team with a sensational catch at third slip, diving far and low to his right to grasp Mohammed Wasim’s deflection off Walsh.Imran Nazir, in his first Test of the series, followed in the next over, steering Ambrose into Campbell’s lap at first slip, the stroke of the raw 18-year-old that Imran is.Walsh struck again after half-hour when Younis Khan’s tentative defensive stroke flew from the outside edge to Shivnarine Chanderpaul at third slip.Once again, the responsibilty weighed heavily on the broad shoulders of Inzamam, Pakistan’s sole batsman of proven quality, but neither he nor Razzaq could repeat their heroics of Georgetown.Imzaman could not negotiate King’s bouncing leg-cutter and was comfortably taken by Adams at third slip and Razzaq fended off McLean’s bodyline delivery to be caught so low to the ground by Wavell Hinds at short-leg it needed several television replays before he was correctly ruled out by third umpire Halley Moore.Moin has developed a familiarity with crisis during his lengthy career and he responded to this one with typical gusto.He and Youhana plundered 38 off four overs from King and McLean, both of whom were expensive and disappointing in their support roles, and counted 16 boundaries between them.It took the return of Walsh, back with Ambrose after lunch, to make the crucial breakthrough as Moin was neatly snapped up by Chanderpaul at second slip for 38.The left-handed Akram, Pakistan’s longest-serving player in his 94th Test, picked up where Moin left off. He delighted in the West Indian tactic that fed him outside his off-stump where he could advertise his boisterous off-side strokes that brought him all of his seven fours in an arc between mid-off and third man.Whenever McLean shortened into his body, he was distinctly uncomfortable and when Ambrose went round the wicket to angle into him, he got himself into a tangle and diverted the ball into his stumps off the inside edge. Surely, after all this time, the West Indies would know how to best bowl to him.Youhana found another willing partner in Saqlain Mushtaq who remained with him for over an hour until, cutting at Adams’ left-arm spin, he provided Campbell with his third catch at slip.By then, there was little spark in the West Indies bowling. It took another three-quarters of an hour to wrap things up and a 37-year-old with a sore right ankle to do it.Sticking his right foot out to make an interception at mid-off shortly before tea, Walsh trod on the ball, tumbled over and lay motionless on the ground for a few worrying moments. When he got up, he limped to the pavilion for examination, was assured it was nothing serious and, typically, returned to the fray. In the circumstances, a host of others of his vintage would have taken the rest of the afternoon off.Not Courtney. Back he came and his reward were the wickets of Waqar Younis and, fittingly, Youhana.
Ok, so there’s no Premier League, La Liga or Champions League right now. The football season, however, is still far from finished.
From the Women’s World Cup to the Gold Cup, this summer sees a handful of tournaments taking place to ease the pain of fans around the world who can’t stop crying about the lack of club football going on. And that includes the Copa America, which will see South America’s biggest and best go head-to-head from next week to see who is the king of the continent.
The oldest international football tournament is set to be one of the most entertaining in decades this year, and it could be a competition that brings in to light players who fans around the world are yet to hear of, which is why we have come up with the Copa America Alternative XI, where only one player per nation is represented in the side.
With 12 teams competing in the competition, one nation had to miss out, and that country was Qatar. With all the formalities out of the way, here is the Copa America Alternative XI.
[snack_break title=”Goalkeeper”]
Wuilker Farinez
South America has been a hotbed for goalkeeping talent since football arrived on the continent over a hundred years ago, and Wuilker Farinez could be the next great star.
The Venezuelan and Millonarios number one has been part of the national setup since the age of 19 when Farinez starred in the U-20 World Cup that saw the South American side make it all the way to the final before losing out to England 1-0. This summer the keeper will certainly be one of the young names to keep an eye on.
[snack_break title=”Defenders”]
Antonio Valencia
Arguably the most famous Ecuadorian player of all-time, Antonio Valencia’s shift from the wing to full-back has been more beneficial for country than it has been for club, as it has allowed a new generation of attacking talent to take up their natural positions in the XI.
Valencia’s pace and experience will be vital for an Ecuador side that will be keen on making an upset as they seek to win their first ever Copa America with the veteran defender leading them out in Brazil.
Gary Medel
Soccer Football – International Friendly – Chile v Costa Rica – Estadio El Teniente, Rancagua, Chile – November 16, 2018 Chile’s Gary Medel in action with Costa Rica’s Bryan Ruiz REUTERS/Pablo Sanhueza
Yes, that is former Cardiff City player Gary Medel, and yes, he’s still as nuts as ever. The former Bluebird has continued to hack down everyone who stands in his path, this time in the name of Besiktas, and for Chile, the 31-year-old is as important as ever.
Although Medel is more a defensive midfielder at club level, the Chilean has been a rock in the backline for the South American nation, and heading into the Copa America the former Inter Milan hard-man will be hoping to retain the continental championship and add a third to his trophy cabinet.
Fabian Balbuena
Soccer Football – Premier League – Everton v West Ham United – Goodison Park, Liverpool, Britain – September 16, 2018 West Ham’s Fabian Balbuena during the match REUTERS/Phil Noble EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
Fabian Balbuena was an interesting signing for West Ham last summer, but after an adjustment period the Paraguayan defender more than paid back the fee Manuel Pellegrini shelled out for the former Corinthians defender, and on an international level, the centre-back has started to make an impact.
The defender has only made nine appearances for Paraguay, and this year’s Copa America could be the time Balbuena establishes himself as a vital player for Los Guaranies, who head to Brazil as the tournament’s underdogs.
Luis Advincula
Peru quickly became a neutral’s favourite during last year’s World Cup, and this time around in the Copa America Luis Advincula will be hoping to see more success on the pitch than off it.
The Tigres defender, who has been on loan at Rayo Vallecano this season, is one of the more experienced players in this Peru side, but his lightning pace has also made him one of the most feared attacking full-backs on the continent.
[snack_break title=”Midfielders”]
Philippe Coutinho
After the disappointment of Russia last year, Brazil will be eager of a return to the top with a big performance in their home country, and supporters will be praying that Coutinho is back to best.
The Barcelona star has been lacklustre since his blockbuster move to the La Liga giants, but with Neymar out of the tournament, the pressure of success has been shifted onto Coutinho’s shoulders, who many will be expecting to perform.
Lucas Torreira
After an impressive World Cup and a stellar debut season with Arsenal, Lucas Torreira has quickly established himself as one of the most promising midfielders in the Premier League, and he will be essential to Uruguay this summer.
The 23-year-old rottweiler of a midfielder has been ever-present for his nation since Russia, and this summer could see the Arsenal man be the difference between a first Copa America title since 2011 or another competition where Uruguay could have done better.
Alejandro Chumacero
You know the name from your FIFA career mode when you were searching in the free agents pool, but in real life, Bolivia’s hopes will be pinned on Alejandro Chumacero, who is one of the few members of the squad that plays outside of the country.
The midfielder has been a mainstay for Mexican side Puebla since 2018 and is regarded as Bolivia’s best player heading into the Copa America, and at 27-years-old, Chumacero will have no better time in his career to show the world what he’s got.
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[snack_break title=”Forwards”]
Lionel Messi
Soccer Football – Champions League Semi Final First Leg – FC Barcelona v Liverpool – Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain – May 1, 2019 Barcelona’s Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their second goal REUTERS/Albert Gea
Was there any doubt who was going to represent Argentina in this XI? Lionel Messi might be one of the greatest players to ever play the beautiful game, but on the international stage, the Barcelona superstar has had his difficult moments.
The forward has carried Argentina to World Cup and Copa America finals, and this summer could be Messi’s last big chance to claim international glory and further cement his status as arguably the best of all time.
Duvan Zapata
Soccer Football – Serie A – Atalanta v Juventus – Stadio Atleti Azzurri, Bergamo, Italy – December 26, 2018 Atalanta’s Duvan Zapata celebrates scoring their second goal REUTERS/Alberto Lingria
The Atalanta striker fired the Bergamo-based club to the Champions League for the first time in their history with a 28-goal haul season, and for Colombia, Zapata now has some big shoes to fill with Radamel Falcao’s goalscoring abilities slowly dwindling.
Shoya Nakajima
With the years of Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa fading away into the history books, a new era of Japanese football could be about to emerge, and in Shoya Nakajima, Japan could have their latest hero.
The most expensive Japanese player in history following the winger’s move to Qatar’s Al-Duhail last February according to the Japan Times, Nakajima made a name for himself in Portugal after a string of impressive performances for Portimonense, and the attacker’s contributions could lead to Japan surprising a few this summer in Brazil.