Copa America 2021 ended in an epic climax as Argentina defeated Brazil by 1-0 in the final. Amidst uncertainty due to the pandemic, CONMEBOL took a decision to allow Brazil to be the new host. Earlier, the previous hosts Colombia and Argentina backed out.
Although there was a lack of supporters throughout the whole campaign, there was no lack of excitement and non-stop action! Let’s have a look at the best players who took this competition to another level.
Defenders who built a big, impenetrable wall for opponents
With amassing four clean sheets to his name, Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez had been arguably the best goalkeeper this season. He has played a key role in Argentina’s road towards the title.
Brazil defender Danilo (LB) and Argentine Gonzalo Montiel (RB) have been the best players this year around. Danilo’s pace and superb creativity made life difficult for opponents whereas Montiel’s no-nonsense defending kept opponent attackers at bay!
At the heart of the defence, Brazillian Thiago Silva and Chilean Gary Medel were the standout performers. Silva played a key role in keeping Messi away from goal at times although his side ended up on the losing side. However, with a passing accuracy of around 94% (268 passes completed out of 286), Medel has also been a key figure for quarterfinalists Chile.
Top midfielders and forwards in the Copa America 2021
Among the midfielders, Colombia playmaker Luis Diaz, Brazillian Lucas Paqueta and Argentine Rodrigo de Paul were the best in their positions. The former two players were clinical in front of goal whereas de Paul was the main architect and conductor for Argentina. Diaz is now the joint top goalscorer alongside Lionel Messi and Gianluca Lapadula with four goals.
Whereas, the top three forwards would comprise Neymar Junior, Peru playmaker Lapadula and Messi. Neymar and Messi were the best performers and have shown their brilliance in scoring as well as assisting some goals. Whereas Lapadula had been the key performer for Peru in their fairytale 4th place finish!
Here’s the Copa America 2021 Team of the Tournament:-
As the decorated South American competition comes to an end, all eyes would be on the next epic final – the Euro 2020 final between Italy and England!
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