With the Copa America 2024 group stage done and dusted, it’s time to take a look at some of the best performers from the tournament’s first phase.
The quarter-finals are upon us, and before we watch Argentina take on Ecuador and Canada square off with Venezuela, there are a few players who have been making changes during the group stage that need to be seen.
Uruguay and Argentina top the list after their complete group stage campaigns, while Venezuela, Brazil and Colombia all have a player represented in the top seven.
Here are the seven best players from the Copa America group stage.
Few expected Venezuela to come out firing at Copa America 2024, and Pachuca striker Jose Rondon played his part in the team’s early success.
The 34-year-old managed two goals and one assist in the group stage, and Venezuela will be hoping their talisman can replicate those performances as they look to go deeper into the competition.
As expected, Uruguay topped Group C with nine points as Marcelo Bielsa’s men await a tense quarter-final match against Brazil.
What many may not have expected was the performance of Maximiliano ‘Maxi’ Araujo. The Toluca midfielder had two goals and one assist for Uruguay before suffering a head injury in the first half against the USA, and it looks unlikely that he will return before the end of the tournament.
Uruguay could not have won all three group stage games without Manuel Ugarte’s outstanding performances.
The 23-year-old was present in all three of Uruguay’s group stage matches and ran the show in the middle of the park alongside Federico Valverde.
Brazil have not looked good so far in the Copa America, especially in the attacking sector. But their defense has been in lockstep since the first whistle against Costa Rica.
Leading the way at the back is PSG defender Marquinhos, who played all 270 minutes for Brazil in the group stage and helped keep the page against Costa Rica.
James Rodriguez has turned back the clock this summer with Colombia in the Copa America, as the 32-year-old registered three assists in the group stage to help his nation top Group D.
Although we all hope that Lionel Messi will be back on the pitch before the Copa America is over, at least we got to see him shine in Argentina’s two group stage matches as he created six big chances.
Messi is keen to get back into trouble to add to his tally so far as Argentina hope to repeat as champions.
Has Lautaro Martinez finally shaken off whatever was holding him back in an Argentina shirt?
It certainly seems to be the case, as the Inter Milan striker has bagged a competition-best four goals in three games at the front and center for Argentina.
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