da bet nacional： GOAL breaks down each team's under-the-radar star that could define the tournament
da dobrowin： Those that follow the sport know the stars to watch this summer at the Copa America. Lionel Messi is arguably the best to ever play. Vinicius Jr may be the Ballon d'Or front-runner. Christian Pulisic, Darwin Nunez and Alphonso Davies are on your TV every weekend playing at the highest levels.
All of those players will be key to their respective countries' Copa America hopes. They aren't the only difference-makers, though. Some operate in the shadows, others are rising stars. Either way, there will be plenty of under-the-radar names that will be absolutely key to each country's Copa America's successes or failures.
From overshadowed beasts on the competition's elite to potential heroes playing for tournament underdogs, GOAL takes a look at the biggest difference-maker.for each team in Copa America…
GettyArgentina – Alexis Mac Allister
Much will be made of Argentina's attack, and rightfully so. They have Messi, after all. The focus will always be there.
Mac Allister, though, is the quiet star, the midfield lynchpin that effortless holds everything together. Playing next to a younger star in Enzo Fernandez and a lively bruiser in Rodrigo de Paul, Mac Allister's game sometimes goes unnoticed. But, as he lurks in the shadows, he's almost always pulling the strings.
If Mac Allister is on, and he often is, Argentina's midfield can go toe-to-toe with almost anyone. They're favorites in this tournament largely due to Messi, but you can't overlook Mac Allister's contributions to their cause.
AdvertisementGettyBolivia – Guillermo Viscarra
Bolivia know their place in the hierarchy. For much of their history, they've been CONMEBOL's punching bag, and that likely won't change in this Copa America.
They aren't talented enough to go toe-to-toe with even the middle-of-the-road teams in this competition, so they'll need some kind of miracle goalkeeping performance.
Viscarra is the guy that could pull that off. He's 31 and has 19 caps, having established himself as starter throughout World Cup qualifiers. It won't be easy, it rarely is for Bolivia, but if Viscarra can steal the show with a save or two, maybe they can register an upset.
Getty ImagesBrazil – Rodrygo
Vinicius is the superstar. Endrick is the rising star. Rodrygo, then, is the under-the-radar star.
Rodrygo is regularly overshadowed for club and country – even more now that teenage phenom Endrick continues to rise. Rodrygo, though, is one hell of a player, with the versatility to play all over the front line and the quality to score plenty of goals.
With Neymar out, Brazil's attack is under pressure, and replacing the legendary winger won't be a job for one man. Much of the pressure will fall on Vinicius, some on Endrick. If Rodrygo can step up, Brazil's attack could be as unstoppable, which really is saying something when it comes to the Selecao.
GettyCanada – Tajon Buchanan
Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David get all the attention, but Buchanan is a baller, too.
The ex-New England Revolution star is now at Inter and, although minutes have been hard to come by with the Scudetto winners, there's no denying his quality. Buchanan is absolutely dynamite on the ball, a player that can beat defenders with ease.
Jesse Marsch will certainly be eager to work with Buchanan, who will so often be left one-on-one due to the attention Davies will command on his side. If Buchanan can keep teams honest by running his side of the field, everything opens up for Canada – and when everything opens up for Canada, they can be a dangerous team.