'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Copa America 2024 is just a week away, and fans are looking forward to a month of footballing extravaganza. This year’s edition will be held in the USA, with defending champions Argentina to play the tournament-opener against Canada at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on June 20.
La Albiceleste are the favorites to retain their crown, coming off consecutive major tournament wins – the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. However, the likes of Uruguay and Brazil will look wrest the title and reassert their dominance in South American football.
South American players have always been known for flair and creativity and the Copa America 2024 will be full of players eager to make their mark on the big stage. On that note, here's a look at five best central midfielders at the tournament.
Ranking five best central midfielders in Copa America 2024
#5 Enzo Fernandez (Argentina)
While his big-money move from Benfica to Chelsea didn't work out as expected, Enzo Fernandez is a quality player and has been a key cog in Argentina’s recent success. The 23-year-old started five of seven games at the 2022 World Cup, contributing a goal and an assist in his side’s historic triumph.
Fernandez has an excellent passing range and is a workhorse in the middle of the pitch. Having recently signed a contract extension with Chelsea until 2032, the San Martin-born player will look forward to his first taste at continental success at Copa America 2024.
#4 Douglas Luiz (Brazil)
The creative force at the heart of Aston Villa’s midfield, Douglas Luiz is one of the most-wanted midfielders in European football. The Brazilian contributed 10 goals and 10 assists in 53 games across competitions in the 2023-24 season, helping his side secure UEFA Champions League football next season.
Luiz’s performances have earned him admirers at top clubs across Europe, with Juventus reportedly close to agreeing a deal for the 26-year-old. Ahead of an impending switch, though, Luiz will look to further bolster his reputation with a strong showing at Copa America 2024.
#3 Bruno Guimaraes (Brazil)
A fan-favorite at Newcastle United, Bruno Guimaraes is another coveted Brazilian midfielder in the Premier League. While Newcastle failed to hit the highs of last season, the 26-year-old had another impressive campaign.
Guimaraes scored seven goals and recorded eight assists in 50 games across competitions, attracting attention from Europe’s top clubs. Among his admirers are Barcelona, but their financial constraints make a move for the Brazilian difficult.
#2 Federico Valverde (Uruguay)
Real Madrid’s midfield dynamo Federico Valverde is coming fresh off a second UEFA Champions League triumph. Often overlooked for his superstar teammates, Valverde has quietly built his reputation as one of the most hard-working and versatile midfielders in world football.
Valverde’s extraordinary work rate is one of the reasons why he's comfortable as a fullback, central midfielder or winger. He has a rocket of a right foot too, which often comes in handy against overly defensive opponents.
All these qualities make him arguably Uruguay’s most important player at the upcoming Copa America 2024, and his performances will be key to his side’s chances of success.
#1 Alexis Mac Allister (Argentina)
Alexis Mac Allister has gone from strength to strength since signing for Liverpool from Brighton & Hove Albion in a reported €42 million deal last summer.
A mainstay in the Reds midfield, Mac Allister was one of their top performers as Jurgen Klopp’s men eyed an unprecedented quadruple. While Liverpool ran out of steam towards the business end, winning just the Carabao Cup, the 25-year-old has grown in importance for both club and country.
Mac Allister’s excellent passing range, movement between the lines and knack for scoring important goals make him critical to Argentina’s chances of success at Copa America 2024.
