Copa America’s Young Breakout Stars
The 2024 Copa America has highlighted exceptional talents, propelling five unheralded players into the spotlight. From powerful wingers to a formidable defender, these stars have captivated audiences and scouts alike.
International tournaments are where careers are made, and this summer’s Copa America has proven no different. With scouts closely watching the games, The Athletic has identified five breakout stars who have significantly impacted the United States over the past few weeks.
Jon Aramburu, Venezuela (21, Real Sociedad), Right-Back
Jon Aramburu, nicknamed ‘El Bufalo,’ has earned his place among the Copa America’s breakout stars. The Venezuelan right-back impressed with his relentless defensive work and powerful presence on the field. His distinctive appearance, with a thick mop of hair and a sturdy frame, complements his no-nonsense playing style. Aramburu’s defensive appetite is evident in his tackling stats: 26 tackles throughout the tournament, including nine against Mexico, six against Jamaica, and 11 against Canada.
Aramburu’s defensive prowess makes him a formidable opponent. He relishes the challenge of facing tricky wingers and consistently wins ball duels. His love for slide tackles has produced a highlight reel that has caught the eye of many observers. Aramburu’s ability to carry the ball forward with intensity has been notable on the offensive side. His burst into the box against Mexico drew a crucial penalty, showcasing his impact on both ends of the pitch. His offensive output has been limited at Real Sociedad, but his Copa America performances suggest a full-back with immense potential.
Richard Rios, Colombia (24, Palmeiras), Central Midfielder
Richard Rios entered the Copa America as an established player for Brazilian giants Palmeiras, but his performances for Colombia have elevated his profile even further. Rios played a crucial role in Palmeiras’ record-extending 12th domestic title, bringing that winning mentality to the Colombian midfield. His dynamic and forward-thinking play has been instrumental in Colombia’s impressive run to the final.
Playing on the right side of a midfield trio, Rios provides energy and drive. His partnership with Jefferson Lerma and Jhon Arias balances defensive responsibilities with attacking creativity. Rios’s ability to drop deep, combine with full-back Daniel Munoz, and create from the half-space makes him a versatile midfielder. His impressive stats include 16 progressive carries, second only to Uruguay’s Federico Valverde among midfielders, and numerous one-on-one carries, highlighting his ability to propel the team forward.
Rios’s goal against Panama, a powerful strike from 32 yards, underlined his attacking potential. His versatility, energy, and technical skills make him a key player for Colombia and a standout star of the tournament.
Maximiliano Araujo, Uruguay (24, Toluca), Winger
Maximiliano Araujo has been a revelation under Uruguay’s new manager Marcelo Bielsa. Known for his ability to stretch the pitch and deliver crosses, Araujo has quickly become a favorite in Bielsa’s system. His international debut came under Bielsa, and he has since been a consistent presence on the field, missing only one competitive game due to injury.
Araujo’s touch map shows his extensive involvement in the final third, where he consistently drives into dangerous areas. His goal against Panama, a curling effort, and his incisive run and finish against Bolivia highlight his attacking prowess. Araujo’s adaptability, having played both a winger and a left-back for Toluca, adds to his value. His ability to contribute defensively and offensively makes him a crucial asset for Uruguay.
Patrick Sequeira, Costa Rica (25, Ibiza), Goalkeeper
Patrick Sequeira stepped into the spotlight under challenging circumstances, filling the shoes of the retired Keylor Navas. Costa Rica arrived at the Copa America with a young and inexperienced squad, yet Sequeira’s performances have been a beacon of hope. His standout moment came in a gritty 0-0 draw against Brazil, where he made crucial saves to deny Raphinha and Guilherme Arana.
Sequeira’s commanding presence in goal, at 6ft 2in, allowed him to claim more crosses than any other goalkeeper in the tournament. His shot-stopping abilities were crucial, including a last-minute save to secure a lead over Paraguay. Despite playing in the Spanish third tier, Sequeira has shown he can perform at the highest level, providing stability and confidence to a young Costa Rican defense.
Ramon Sosa, Paraguay (24, Talleres), Winger
Paraguay’s tournament may have been disappointing, but Ramon Sosa’s performances offered a silver lining. Despite starting the first two games on the bench, the explosive winger showcased his quality in bursts. Sosa’s impact was immediate, providing an assist shortly after coming on against Colombia and scoring a stunning goal against Costa Rica.
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Sosa’s ball-striking ability and pace make him a constant threat. His ability to play on either flank and his direct approach to attacking have made him a standout player. Sosa’s quick runs and powerful shots create scoring opportunities, and his performances in the Argentinian top flight suggest he has the potential to shine on a larger stage.
Conclusion
The 2024 Copa America has been a platform for emerging talents to make their mark. Jon Aramburu’s defensive tenacity, Richard Rios’s dynamic midfield play, Maximiliano Araujo’s attacking flair, Patrick Sequeira’s commanding goalkeeping, and Ramon Sosa’s explosive pace have all captured the attention of fans and scouts alike. These breakout stars have proven that international tournaments are where careers are made, and their summer performances have set the stage for bright futures in soccer. The Athletic’s spotlight on these five players highlights the depth of talent emerging from South American soccer.
