Top five players who impressed in Copa America 2024 group stage

Argentina has two mentions from the tournament.

As the Copa America 2024 group stage draws to a close with the final round of games, the tournament in the United States has already proven to be a spectacle for football fans worldwide, featuring high-octane drama, underdog stories, and unforgettable moments.

With the knockout rounds approaching, let’s examine the top five players who have impressed in the Copa America 2024 group stage:

5. Lisandro Martinez (Argentina)

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has been a rock at the back for Argentina. Playing in his first major international tournament as a starting centre-back, Martinez was previously second fiddle in coach Lionel Scaloni’s pecking order behind the World Cup-winning defensive duo of Cristian Romero and Nicolas Otamendi.

Despite an injury-prone 2023–24 club campaign, the 26-year-old defender has been the preferred partner for Romero in La Albiceleste’s robust backline. Having played every minute so far, Martinez hasn’t put a foot wrong, contributing stellar performances that saw Argentina keep two clean sheets in their wins against Canada and Chile.

The Group A table-toppers have already secured their place in the knockout rounds with a game in hand against Peru.

4. Salomon Rondon (Venezuela)

Venezuela’s captain Salomon Rondon has led his side’s dark horse charge from the front, playing a key role in La Vinotinto’s perfect start to the group stages.

In their opening match, Rondon provided a crucial assist to help Venezuela complete a second-half 2-1 comeback win against 10-man Ecuador.

La Vinotinto made it two wins out of two when Rondon converted a 57th-minute penalty against Mexico to secure a narrow 1-0 victory, propelling them to the top of Group B. If Fernando Batista’s side hopes to continue their hot form into the knockout rounds, Rondon’s performances will be instrumental to their potential success.

3. Lautaro Martinez (Argentina)

Even with limited game time during the opening two matches, Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez has contributed significantly to Argentina’s perfect start.

In the tournament curtain-raiser against a resilient Canada, the 26-year-old striker came off the bench to score Argentina’s second goal, sealing a solid win for the defending champions.

When La Albiceleste seemed set to drop points against a robust Chile, super-sub Martinez delivered again with a late winner, sending Argentina to the top of Group A and securing qualification for the knockout rounds.

Through his substitute cameos alone, Lautaro Martinez is the joint top scorer of the 2024 Copa America with two goals.

2. Darwin Nunez (Uruguay)

Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay has been one of the most entertaining teams in this summer’s Copa America with their attacking brand of football. Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez has shouldered the responsibility of delivering goals up front and has been in sparkling form.

Nunez scored in both of La Celeste’s big wins against Panama and Bolivia, which put them at the top of Group C and secured their place in the knockout rounds.

The 25-year-old striker will look to continue his impressive goal-scoring form in Uruguay’s last game against the USA to end the group stage with a perfect record and positive momentum.

With his stellar performances, Darwin Nunez is also joint top scorer of the 2024 Copa America with two goals.

1. James Rodriguez (Colombia)

Riding a 25-game unbeaten streak, Colombia has been one of the standout teams in the 2024 Copa America group stages, with creative playmaker James Rodriguez playing a key role in their perfect start.

He has already registered an impressive three assists in just two games. In Los Cafeteros’ opening win against Paraguay, Rodriguez stole the show with a world-class performance that saw him contribute two assists.

In the subsequent triumph against a resilient Costa Rica, the 32-year-old attacking midfielder again put in a strong display, capping it off with another assist. Rodriguez has proven integral to Néstor Lorenzo’s dominant Colombian side.

James Rodriguez will aim to continue his excellent form when Group D table-toppers Colombia face tournament favorites Brazil in their final group game.

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