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Emerson, Cristian Romero, Facundo Torres

The postponed Copa América begins on Sunday, June 13, and there will be a lot of talent on display among the 10 participating teams.

Considering that preparation for the tournament was complicated by the change of venue from Argentina and Colombia to Brazil just 13 days before the start date, and that COVID-19 infections continue to increase, teams may need to support each other more than never in his young players. Norwegian scout Tor-Kristian Karlsen looks back at some of the top 23-year-old promises.

Julián Álvarez (21, DEL, Argentina and River Plate)

Álvarez caught the attention of several scouts for the first time at the South American U-20 Soccer Championship in early 2019. Just over two years later, the winger (who also plays second striker) entered for Ángel Di María against Chile on 4 June to represent his country for the first time in the Argentine national team. Álvarez, a fast footballer, with good technique, good dribbling and a lot of feinting and dribbling, calculates his arrivals in the area well, and often defines with a single touch. It seems destined for a big overseas pass in the near future.

Cristian Romero (23, CB, Argentina and Atalanta)

The central defender made his debut for Argentina in the knockout match against Chile on June 3 after an excellent season in Atalanta, where he generally played in center defense. The Italian club finished third in Serie A. Recently linked to Manchester United, Romero’s determination and great focus on defense means that he hardly ever hesitates when the opportunity to win the ball early arises. He is robust and comfortable on the ball, and his goal for Argentina against Colombia on June 8 was an example of his strength in the air.

Cristian Cásseres Jr. (21, MC, Venezuela and New York Red Bulls)

Although he is well known among MLS fans, Cásseres recently became a candidate for the Venezuelan national team, and he hopes to have a similar impact on his country as he has had on his club. Agile and quick to react, it covers a lot of ground with effective pressure. In addition, this dynamic midfielder has shown that he is capable of converting from outside the area. Cásseres’s father, also named Cristian, represented Venezuela 28 times between 1999 and 2008.

Carlos Cuesta (22, CF, Colombia and Genk)

Although Yerry Mina and Davinson Sánchez will likely be the duo of choice at the heart of Colombia’s defense, Cuesta could make his senior debut as a substitute in the Copa América. The young defender has performed well in the Belgian league the last two seasons, and while his disciplinary record could be better – he was sent off three times in the league this season – his positioning has improved. Although he still does not take too many risks with his passes, it is difficult to beat him one on one.

Julio Enciso (17, DEL, Paraguay and Libertad)

This great promise, who has shone in Paraguay’s youth teams since the U-15, had a good campaign with champion Libertad this season and stood out in the Copa Sudamericana. He is an intense striker who plays aggressively and with great speed. He hasn’t found his perfect position yet, but he will likely end up playing as a center-forward or winger in Paraguay. Being a green and unpredictable player, he is more likely to be used as an impact substitute, but he has a remarkable forehand shot.

Emerson (22, RHP, Brazil and Barcelona)

Signed from Atlético Mineiro in an agreement that Real Betis and Barcelona also participated in two years ago, with each club paying € 6m for their rights and Betis taking him on loan, Barcelona activated their € 9m option to take him back to Camp Nou in a permanent this summer.

A natural and athletic defender, he is also good in the air for a full back. Emerson is stronger defensively than Sergino Dest, but the American international has a better attack in his game, so it remains to be seen whether they will contest the starting spot at the Camp Nou or if Emerson will move on to another top club (with Arsenal and Inter Milan among the teams that have shown interest in him).

Brian Ocampo (21, DEL, Uruguay and National)

Full of energy and young optimism, this winger who plays with the right wing is never shy about facing a defender. His high-stakes style of soccer – with lots of dribbling, tapping, and stomping – is highly entertaining to watch, although his tricks don’t always go his way. Ocampo was called up to the Uruguay national team after a good run with his club, and his skills with the ball, as well as his confidence and long-range shot, make him a potential wild card coming off the bench.

Carlos Palacios (20, DEL, Chile and International)

Palacios, who went to the Chilean team’s Internacional, Unión Española, on loan in March, is predominantly a winger who can also play center. The Brazilian club has already agreed to sign him permanently in 2022 and Palacios was called up to Chile’s senior team after a good 2020 season in which he was named the second best player in the Chilean league. Aside from an excellent shot from long range (typically a hunched kick to the post while cutting from the left), this quick young man is tough to get the ball out of his way. He usually chooses the shortest path to goal when catching the ball and he will be a real danger to opposing defenders.

Angelo Preciado (23, LD, Ecuador and Genk)

This right-back usually plays higher up the court at the club level and offers a lot going forward. He made his debut in 2018 but was called up again for the recent World Cup qualifications and played the 90 minutes against Brazil. He has spent the last few months settling into European soccer after the January move to Belgian club Genk from the Ecuadorian team, Independiente. Fast and always happy to join the attack, Preciado has good positional sense and can cross the ball very well.

Facundo Torres (21, MID, Uruguay and Peñarol)

Another outstanding player in the Uruguayan youth system, Torres was rewarded by the coach of the national team, Oscar Tabárez, for a good season in Peñarol with his first game in the senior team (he came off the bench against Paraguay) followed by a debut on full game a few days later (against Venezuela). The left-handed attacking midfielder, who can play in any position up front, is a constant threat with his incisive movement, change of pace and ability to take on defenders. He always draws a lot of fouls and still has a penchant for moving forward and trying too often on his own, but his exceptional natural talent has drawn interest from European clubs after Manchester United added winger Facundo Pellistri from the same club in 2020.

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