One of the beautiful things about soccer in the Americas is the mix of players who suit up at the international level. Peru will once again trust 40-year-old Paolo Guerrero at a Copa América, Chile will turn to 41-year-old goalkeeper Claudio Bravo while future stars like 17-year-old Kendry Páez of Ecuador and 19-year-old Valentín Carboni of Argentina will play in their major international tournament. Between the extremes, there are plenty of players in their primes who will dazzle.
We trust you're familiar with Lionel Messi, Vinícius Júnior and Luis Díaz, so here are 10 players who should star – if not shine as brightly as the Ballon d'Or contenders – in the US this summer. Tyler Adams, United States, midfielder While Christian Pulisic is the star, Adams may be the USMNT's more impactful player. The US will rely on Adams to set the tone in midfield and protect a back line that has had its ups and downs.
He showed in the Nations League that he can pull a long-range goal out of the hat as well, but that would just be icing on the cake for US fans should Adams stay healthy and play his usual game in the middle. Salomón Rondón, Venezuela, forward A familiar name to fans of the Premier League but one many have most likely forgotten. Yet the 34-year-old is in the form of his life heading into Copa América, having helped CF Pachuca to the Concacaf Champions Cup title with nine goals in seven games.
He also added 10 goals in 21 Liga MX games after joining Los Tu.
