5 players who will be in the limelight in Copa America 2016
The Copa Centenario is building to be a very special occasion as the American nations prepare for the occasion. Argentina will be out for revenge right from day one as their first opponent will be Chile, the team that dramatically destroyed their hopes in 2015 final.
The United States and Mexico have also been invited to participate in the tournament with the former hosting the tournament. There will be a few who will not be playing but most of the biggest stars will be on show.
Here are 5 players who will be under the spotlight during the tournament.
5) James Rodrguez
James Rodriguez had a season to forget with Real Madrid. The Portuguese international was constantly struggling for form and did not make much of an impact on the field. Zinedine Zidane was forced to play youngsters like Lucas Vasquez ahead of the Colombian.
James did win the UEFA Champions League, but he will be aware of the lack of contribution on his part. James played 26 matches in La Liga this season scoring only 7 times. Madrid were hoping the Colombian would take his game to the next level after an impressive debut season but it has not turned out that way.
Rodriguez is still a very important part of his national team. With Radamel Falcao’s fall from grace, teammates will turn to the 24-year-old for inspiration in the tournament. James earned a move to Los Blancos when he caught the eye in the World Cup when his country reached the quarter-finals.
Since that wonderful tournament, Colombia have not performed at the same level. They managed to make it to the quarter-finals in Copa America last time out but lost to Argentina on penalties. More is expected of the nation after their heroics in the World Cup and James will have to provide that spark if they are to win the tournament.