READ:Â Copa America Player of the Tournament Power Ranking: Messi set for record third award?
4. Folarin Balogun (USA)
The second player representing the USMNT in the rankings right now, Balogun has made a fast start in his first major tournament since switching international allegiance, not counting the Nations League final.
He’s scored in each of their two opening games and immediately shown his superstar quality at the top end of the pitch, allowing the rest of the team to lean on him and his scoring abilities when needed. A fast start for such a young player is seriously impressive and – if they remain in the tournament – there’s a potential Golden Boot on the horizon.
3. Savio (Brazil)
Savio looked set to have to bide his time and impress in smaller spells throughout the tournament, with Brazil’s attack being so stacked.
But with the Selecao slumping to a goalless draw against a young Costa Rica outfit and looking out of ideas, Dorival Junior was tempted to turn to his younger prospect against Paraguay in matchday two.
A goal was the icing on the cake of an almighty display and it’s now going to be seriously difficult for the manager to justify dropping him back to the bench. A truly delightful performance and an injection of energy Brazil needed. Inspiring.
2. Kendry Paez (Ecuador)
The youngest player at the tournament, Paez became the second youngest scorer in the history of the tournament when he tucked away a penalty against Jamaica in a Player of the Match-worthy showing.
Paez – who is set to join Chelsea in 2025 – was even unbothered enough to hit Cole Palmer’s signature ‘cold’ celebration after bagging from the spot, a further showing of his credentials and rather outrageous ability for his age. It’s frightening how good he already is and how good he can become, and Ecuador know that, which is why they’re not afraid of relying on him already.
This kid is an absolute superstar. His work has already put them in a strong position to reach the knockout stages. Exceptional.
1. Facundo Pellistri (Uruguay)
Despite playing just nine times in the Premier League for Manchester United last season before being shipped out on loan again, Pellistri is off to a flying start at the Copa America and is playing out of his skin for Uruguay once again.
With a goal and an assist from his first two games, Pellistri hasn’t been afraid to take responsibility for his country, putting in influential displays to help them to the top of Group C with six points that will see them into the knockout stages.
The irony is that if he wasn’t already a Manchester United player, he’s exactly the type of winger they’d be thinking about signing this summer, given his performances thus far. A starboy simply waiting for his big break.
Source link : https://www.planetfootball.com/lists-and-rankings/copa-america-young-player-of-tournament-power-ranking-kendry-paez-endrick
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Publish date : 2024-06-30 14:47:00
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