The Premier League stars lighting up Copa America - including Liverpool, Fulham, and Crystal Palace talents
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While all eyes in Europe are squarely focused on happenings at Euro 2024 in Germany this summer, there is, of course, another major international tournament well underway halfway across the globe. Right now, in the USA, this year’s iteration of the Copa America is beginning to gather pace and there are more than a few Premier League talents taking part for their respective nations.
From Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez to in-demand Fulham full-back Antonee Robinson, the Copa America is brimming with English interest, and as the group stage hurtles along, several top flight players are already starting to make their mark.
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Hide AdWith that in mind, we’ve taken a look at Whoscored’s average match ratings from the first full round of group stage fixtures to see which stars, Premier League or otherwise, are shining on the other side of the Atlantic while most of us are tucked up in bed...
Christian Pulisic - USA
The former Chelsea winger is an icon of American football (not that kind) and has started the Copa America at a rapid rate. One goal and one assist in the USA’s 2-0 win over Bolivia last weekend, and the AC Milan star will be desperately hoping to lead his nation a long way into the competition.
Jon Aramburu - Venezuela
An emerging star in South American football, Aramburu plays for Real Sociedad’s B team over in Spain, and has already made quite the impression at the Copa America. Still only 21, the full-back could have a huge future ahead of him.
Lionel Messi - Argentina
Little known playmaker from Argentina looking to make a name for himself this summer. Messi has been in typically bewitching form for the world champions and will be eager to add yet another trophy to his bulging cabinet at the age of 37.
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Hide AdAntonee Robinson - USA
Another representative for the hosts, Robinson continues to be touted for a big money move away from Fulham, and if he continues to catch the eye at the highest level, it may only serve to hasten his departure.
Darwin Nunez - Uruguay
Often maligned for his maverick tendencies, Nunez has looked good for Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay, scoring against Panama and drawing high praise from the former Leeds United manager. You really can’t argue with his record of one strike every other game for his country.
Julio Enciso - Paraguay
Brighton’s precocious playmaker, it is sometimes easy to forget that Enciso is still only 20. A great hope for Paraguayan football, even if his goal in their opener against Colombia turned out to be little more than a consolation.
Matias Vina - Uruguay
A compatriot of the aforementioned Nunez who plays his football in Brazil for Flamengo, Vina is a forward-thinking left-back who spent some time on loan at Bournemouth last year. Scored his first ever international goal against Panama.
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Hide AdJames Rodriguez - Colombia
The name’s Bond... James Rodriguez. The Colombian midfielder, formerly of Everton, of course, always seems to save his best form for major tournaments, and his brace of assists in Colombia’s win over Paraguay suggests that he is very much finding his groove in the Copa America already.
Maximiliano Araujo - Uruguay
The opening scorer in that Uruguayan win over Panama, the versatile wide man, capable of playing at left-back or out on the wing, plies his trade for Mexican side Toluca at club level.
Jefferson Lerma - Colombia
And finally, Crystal Palace workhorse Lerma also impressed during Colombia’s winning turn against Paraguay, scoring his country’s second just before half time. Interestingly, teammate Daniel Munoz found the net in that match too, providing a reminder of just how much international quality the Eagles boast these days.
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