A look at the five La Liga players fans should keep an eye on during the 2024 Copa América:
Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid and Brazil): In search of a first title with his country
After leading Real Madrid to La Liga and Champions League trophies this season, Vinicius Junior is aiming to win his first title with the Brazilian national team. The Selecao are considered favorites in their bid to celebrate their tenth Copa América and Vinicius is considered the leader of an extremely talented team. The Real Madrid striker finished the 2023/24 campaign with 24 goals in all competitions, including a decisive goal in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley just a few weeks ago.
Vinicius put in some extraordinary performances last season and, if he can inspire Brazil to Copa America glory, he will be considered one of the favorites to win the Ballon d'Or too.
Ronald Araujo (FC Barcelona and Uruguay): The defensive pillar of the CelesteAfter a FC Barcelona campaign with several ups and downs, Ronald Araujo has joined his Uruguay teammates in preparation for the long-awaited Copa América. Injury problems prevented the talented centre-back from making an appearance in the 2021 edition, meaning Araujo will now have the opportunity to take part in the competition for the first time.
The 25-year-old defender, who has already established himself as the leader of Barça's defense, will look to help Uruguay surpass Argentina in their joint tie for the most Copa América titles. Both nations currently have 15 and Araújo is determined to win the first.
Araujo, who works with legendary coach Marcelo Bielsa, will compete alongside Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde and Atlético de Madrid centre-back José María Giménez.Rodrigo de Paul (Atlético de Madrid and Argentina): In search of another international title
Rodrigo de Paul, who has become a pillar of the Argentine midfield, will seek to lead the Albiceleste to another trophy. After winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2021 Copa América, Argentina is the clear team to beat.
The Atlético de Madrid midfielder started in all seven of Argentina's games on the way to their third World Cup and in all but one of their seven games in the last Copa América. De Paul has made 64 international appearances in all competitions, recording 10 assists and scoring two goals. As such, he is expected to be in the starting eleven of a strong Argentine team that also includes his Atleti teammate Nahuel Molina and Sevilla FC left back Marcos Acuña, as well as Real Betis players Guido Rodríguez and Germán Pezzella.
Endrick (Real Madrid and Brazil): A chance to see the future star of Real Madrid
After landing young Brazilians Vinicius and Rodrygo, Real Madrid continued combing the Brazilian market for more potential stars. Los Blancos quickly spotted the talent of Endrick Felipe Moreira de Sousa, known as Endrick, and reached an agreement with Palmeiras that will see the Brazilian striker join the reigning Champions League champions this summer. Considered the next great player Brazil, Endrick has already broken several records, becoming the fourth-youngest player to score for his national team at the age of 17 years and 246 days. In that 1-0 friendly win against England, the prodigy also became the youngest player to score an international goal at Wembley.
In fact, Endrick has already scored three goals in six appearances in all competitions to become the first under-18 player to find the back of the net in three consecutive games for the Brazilian national team.
He may not be considered a starter yet, but in the upcoming Copa América he will surely offer samples of his abilities before his arrival at Real Madrid.Savio (Girona FC and Brazil): a winger looking to continue his excellent shape
Savio Moreira de Oliveira, known as Savio, was one of the players who took La Liga by storm in 2023/24. After arriving at Girona FC on loan from French side Troyes, the Brazilian prodigy started 35 of his team's 38 games in a historic campaign for the Catalan club, contributing to the team's third place in the league and its first qualification for the League. of Champions. . The 20-year-old winger registered nine goals in the league, in addition to 10 assists, which earned him a call-up to participate in the 2024 Copa América with the Brazilian team.
Noted for his ability to dribble past opponents and his flair in the final third, Savio is expected to provide the Selecao with some additional firepower in an attack that already includes Vinicius and Rodrygo. It should be noted that the Brazilian team will also have more La Liga stars, such as Real Madrid center back Eder Militao and FC Barcelona winger Raphinha.
Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid and Brazil): In search of a first title with his country
After leading Real Madrid to La Liga and Champions League trophies this season, Vinicius Junior is aiming to win his first title with the Brazilian national team. The Selecao are considered favorites in their bid to celebrate their tenth Copa América and Vinicius is considered the leader of an extremely talented team. The Real Madrid striker finished the 2023/24 campaign with 24 goals in all competitions, including a decisive goal in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley just a few weeks ago.
Vinicius put in some extraordinary performances last season and, if he can inspire Brazil to Copa America glory, he will be considered one of the favorites to win the Ballon d'Or too.
Ronald Araujo (FC Barcelona and Uruguay): The defensive pillar of the CelesteAfter a FC Barcelona campaign with several ups and downs, Ronald Araujo has joined his Uruguay teammates in preparation for the long-awaited Copa América. Injury problems prevented the talented centre-back from making an appearance in the 2021 edition, meaning Araujo will now have the opportunity to take part in the competition for the first time.
The 25-year-old defender, who has already established himself as the leader of Barça's defense, will look to help Uruguay surpass Argentina in their joint tie for the most Copa América titles. Both nations currently have 15 and Araújo is determined to win the first.
Araujo, who works with legendary coach Marcelo Bielsa, will compete alongside Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde and Atlético de Madrid centre-back José María Giménez.Rodrigo de Paul (Atlético de Madrid and Argentina): In search of another international title
Rodrigo de Paul, who has become a pillar of the Argentine midfield, will seek to lead the Albiceleste to another trophy. After winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2021 Copa América, Argentina is the clear team to beat.
The Atlético de Madrid midfielder started in all seven of Argentina's games on the way to their third World Cup and in all but one of their seven games in the last Copa América. De Paul has made 64 international appearances in all competitions, recording 10 assists and scoring two goals. As such, he is expected to be in the starting eleven of a strong Argentine team that also includes his Atleti teammate Nahuel Molina and Sevilla FC left back Marcos Acuña, as well as Real Betis players Guido Rodríguez and Germán Pezzella.
Endrick (Real Madrid and Brazil): A chance to see the future star of Real Madrid
After landing young Brazilians Vinicius and Rodrygo, Real Madrid continued combing the Brazilian market for more potential stars. Los Blancos quickly spotted the talent of Endrick Felipe Moreira de Sousa, known as Endrick, and reached an agreement with Palmeiras that will see the Brazilian striker join the reigning Champions League champions this summer. Considered the next great player Brazil, Endrick has already broken several records, becoming the fourth-youngest player to score for his national team at the age of 17 years and 246 days. In that 1-0 friendly win against England, the prodigy also became the youngest player to score an international goal at Wembley.
In fact, Endrick has already scored three goals in six appearances in all competitions to become the first under-18 player to find the back of the net in three consecutive games for the Brazilian national team.
He may not be considered a starter yet, but in the upcoming Copa América he will surely offer samples of his abilities before his arrival at Real Madrid.Savio (Girona FC and Brazil): a winger looking to continue his excellent shape
Savio Moreira de Oliveira, known as Savio, was one of the players who took La Liga by storm in 2023/24. After arriving at Girona FC on loan from French side Troyes, the Brazilian prodigy started 35 of his team's 38 games in a historic campaign for the Catalan club, contributing to the team's third place in the league and its first qualification for the League. of Champions. . The 20-year-old winger registered nine goals in the league, in addition to 10 assists, which earned him a call-up to participate in the 2024 Copa América with the Brazilian team.
Noted for his ability to dribble past opponents and his flair in the final third, Savio is expected to provide the Selecao with some additional firepower in an attack that already includes Vinicius and Rodrygo. It should be noted that the Brazilian team will also have more La Liga stars, such as Real Madrid center back Eder Militao and FC Barcelona winger Raphinha.
