Emerson, Cristian Romero, Facundo Torres

The delayed Copa America begins on Sunday, June 13 and there’s loads of expertise on present among the many 10 groups concerned.

Whereas preparations for the event have been thrown into disarray with a change from Argentina and Colombia to new hosts Brazil simply 13 days earlier than it was set to start, and COVID-19 infections persevering with to rise, groups could also be counting on younger gamers greater than ever. Norwegian soccer scout Tor-Kristian Karlsen examines among the high prospects aged 23 or beneath.

Julio Enciso (17, FW, Paraguay and Libertad)

An thrilling prospect who has excelled for Paraguay’s youth groups from U-15 stage upwards, he loved a tremendous marketing campaign with champions Libertad this season and notably stood out within the Copa Sudamericana. An intense ahead who performs the sport at excessive pace with aggression, he’s but to seek out his excellent place however will most likely find yourself as a roaming striker or a left-winger for Paraguay. Being uncooked and unpredictable, he’s extra doubtless for use as an affect substitute, however has a outstanding right-footed shot in his locker.

Cristian Romero (23, CB, Argentina and Atalanta)

The centre-back made his Argentina debut within the World Cup qualifier towards Chile on June 3 following a wonderful season for Atalanta, the place he often lined up in the course of their again three because the membership completed third in Serie A. Lately linked with Manchester United, Romero’s dedication and extremely centered defending sees him not often hesitate when the chance to win the ball early arises. Sturdy and cozy on the ball too, his tremendous early objective for Argentina towards Colombia on June 8 was an instance of his aerial power.

Cristian Casseres Jr. (21, CM, Venezuela and New York Purple Bulls)

Although well-known to MLS followers, Casseres solely not too long ago broke into rivalry for Venezuela and is hoping to make an analogous affect for his nation as his membership. Agile and fast off the mark, he covers loads of floor with efficient urgent, whereas the dynamic central midfielder has additionally proven he can rating from outdoors the field. Casseres’ father, additionally referred to as Cristian, represented Venezuela 28 instances between 1999-2008.

Carlos Cuesta (22, CB, Colombia and Genk)

Whereas Yerry Mina and Davinson Sanchez look to be the first-choice pairing within the coronary heart of the Colombia defence, Cuesta may make his senior debut as a backup on the Copa America. The younger defender has executed nicely within the Belgian league over the previous two seasons and, though his disciplinary file can enhance (he was despatched off 3 times within the league this season), he’s proven enchancment in his positioning. Although his passing continues to be on the secure facet, he’s exhausting to beat in a single vs. one conditions.

Emerson (22, RB, Brazil and Barcelona)

Signed from Atletico Mineiro in joint deal between Actual Betis and Barcelona two years in the past, with every membership paying €6m in the direction of his rights and Betis getting him on mortgage, Barcelona activated their €9m choice to take him again to the Camp Nou completely this summer season.

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A naturally match and athletic defender, he’s additionally good within the air for a full-back. Emerson is stronger defensively than Sergino Dest, however the USA worldwide has a greater attacking facet to his recreation, so it stays to be seen if they’ll struggle for a beginning spot at Camp Nou or whether or not Emerson will transfer on to a different high membership (with Arsenal and Inter Milan amongst these to have proven an curiosity).

Brian Ocampo (21, FW, Uruguay and Nacional)

Filled with power and youthful optimism, the right-footed winger isn’t fearful about taking over a defender. His high-risk type of soccer — stuffed with mazy dribbles, flicks and backheels — is nice enjoyable to observe, although his trickery doesn’t all the time come off. Ocampo was referred to as as much as the Uruguay squad on the again of a superb run of type for his membership and his ball-progression expertise, combined with sky-high confidence and an incredible long-range shot, make him a possible wildcard coming off the bench.

Carlos Palacios (20, FW, Chile and Internacional)

Palacios, who moved to Internacional from Chilean facet Union Espanola on mortgage in March, is predominantly a winger however may play centrally. The Brazilian membership have already agreed to signal him completely in 2023 and Palacios was referred to as as much as the senior Chile set-up after a tremendous 2023 season the place he was named the second-best participant within the Chilean league. Along with a wonderful shot from distance (usually a curled effort in the direction of the far submit whereas reducing in from the left), the pacey teen is difficult to dispossess. He usually chooses the shortest path to objective when choosing up the ball and might be an actual hazard to defenders.

Angelo Preciado (23, RB, Ecuador and Genk)

The proper-back usually performs additional up the pitch at membership stage and affords rather a lot going ahead. He made his debut again in 2018 however was referred to as up once more for the latest World Cup qualifiers and performed the total 90 minutes towards Brazil. He has spent the previous few months settling into European soccer following a January transfer to Belgium membership Genk from Ecuadorian facet Independiente. Pacey and all the time completely happy to hitch the assault, Preciado has a superb positional sense and is a tremendous crosser of the ball.

Facundo Torres (21, AM, Uruguay and Penarol)

One other stand-out from the Uruguay youth groups, Torres was rewarded by nationwide coach Oscar Tabarez for a tremendous season at Penarol together with his first senior cap (got here off the bench vs. Paraguay) adopted by a full debut a number of days later (vs. Venezuela). The left-footed attacking midfielder, who can play wherever throughout the entrance line, is a continuing risk together with his incisive motion, change of tempo and skill to tackle defenders. He all the time attracts loads of fouls and continues to be inclined to try to go it alone too usually, however his distinctive pure expertise has triggered eager curiosity from golf equipment throughout Europe after Manchester United landed winger Facundo Pellistri from the identical membership in 2023.