Copa America 2019: The tournament’s best XI, including Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Brazil’s Alisson
Brazil will kick off the 2019 Copa America when they face Bolivia on Saturday.
Tite’s side and Argentina are the bookmakers’ favourites to win the competition.
Barcelona stars Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez will be competing for international glory this summer.
Meanwhile, Chile, who need Manchester United flop Alexis Sanchez to rediscover his form, will be looking to win the competition for a third successive time.
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Here, talkSPORT.com have chosen a best XI from Copa America 2019.
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Goalkeeper – Alisson (Brazil)
Liverpool’s Alisson edged out Manchester City goalkeeper and international team-mate Ederson for the Premier League Golden Glove last season.
In a stellar debut campaign, which saw the Reds concede just 22 league goals, Alisson kept 21 clean sheets, one more than Ederson.
It’s clear that Brazil are spoilt for choice when it comes to goalkeepers.
Alisson was the No.1 at last summer’s World Cup – and is likely to keep his starting place against Bolivia.
Right-back – Mauricio Isla (Chile)
Isla has starred for Chile in their previous two Copa America triumphs. As his career has progressed, the Fenerbahce ace has been converted into a full-back.
Chile are the fifth fancied side to win another Copa America, but expect to see Isla bombing up and down the wing.
Centre-back – Thiago Silva (Brazil)
At 34 years old, this could be Silva’s final Copa America with Brazil. The Paris Saint-Germain captain was an ever-present in his country’s 2018 World Cup campaign and is a threat from set-pieces.
Brazil are hard to break down under Tite with Silva also playing a crucial role in that.
Centre-back – Diego Godin (Uruguay)
Uruguay’s captain is considered one of the best defenders in the world. Godin, who is leaving Atletico Madrid this summer, will be a leader at the back for his country.
However, similarly with Silva, at 33 years old, time is against his side.
Left-back – Nicolas Tagliafico (Argentina)
Tagliafico enjoyed a stellar 2018/19 season with Ajax as they won the Eredivisie and knocked out Real Madrid and Juventus in the Champions League.
His form has seen him linked with moves to Arsenal and Atletico Madrid. A solid Copa America campaign will only increase his reputation.
Right wing – Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Who else?
Most neutrals watching on will want Messi to finally taste success on the international stage. He has been on the losing side of three Copa America finals and one World Cup.
He is one of football’s true greats and it would be a crying shame to see him miss out on another trophy with Argentina.
Central midfield – Rodrigo Bentancur (Uruguay)
Bentancur was one of the breakout stars of the 2018 World Cup. He followed that up with an impressive season with Juventus in Serie A.
The 21-year-old has huge potential and is already proving to be a top midfielder in Europe.
Central midfield – James Rodriguez (Colombia)
Rodriguez will return to Real Madrid following the expiry of his two-year loan spell at Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga champions will not take up an option to buy him permanently, while the midfielder is surplus to requirements at the Bernabeu.
It gives Rodriguez a chance to impress at the Copa America and earn a move to another big club.
There is no doubt he’ll be one of Colombia’s most important players in Brazil.
Left wing – Philippe Coutinho (Brazil)
Coutinho has had a first full season to forget with Barcelona.
He has failed to live up to expectations since completing a £142million move to the Nou Camp in January 2018, and reports claim the Brazilian could leave the club this summer.
With Neymar ruled out of the Copa America with an ankle injury, there is more pressure on Coutinho’s shoulders.
This tournament could be a chance for the former Liverpool winger to remind everyone of his quality.
Striker – Luis Suarez (Uruguay)
Even though he suffering a season-ending knee injury against Liverpool in the Champions League semi-finals last month, Suarez has made a speedy recovery.
He made a scoring return in Uruguay’s 3-0 win over Panama last weekend.
His strike partnership with PSG’s Edinson Cavani will be as dangerous as ever.
Striker – Sergio Aguero (Argentina)
Omitting Cavani was a tricky decision, but Aguero just edges him out.
The Manchester City striker played a vital role in his club’s historic domestic treble-winning season last term.
His 21 goals and eight assists helped City retain their Premier League crown on an outstanding 98 points.
If Aguero replicates his City form with Argentina, then Messi and co will be in luck.