Top three Colombian players who impressed at Copa America 2024

These Colombian players were on fire at the competition.

Riding on a remarkable 28-game unbeaten streak across all competitions are Nestor Lorenzo’s Colombia. They are all set to lock horns with Argentina in the Copa America 2024 final at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida.

On their route to the final, Los Cafeteros finished the group stage phase as Group D table-toppers, defeating the likes of Costa Rica and Paraguay and registering an impressive draw against Brazil in the process.

During the decisive knockout rounds, Nestor Lorenzo’s side dismantled a hapless Panama 5-0 to record a dominating win in the quarterfinals. In the semifinal stage, 10-man Colombia narrowly edged past Uruguay as they toppled them 1-0 courtesy of Jefferson Lerma’s first-half winner to book their place in a Copa America final for the first time in 23 years.

With all that said, here are the top three Colombian players who impressed at Copa America 2024:

3. Jefferson Lerma

One of the most underrated players in this tournament has undoubtedly been Jefferson Lerma, who has been a strong presence in Colombia‘s midfield throughout the 2024 Copa America.

Throughout the competition, Lerma has proved to be a reliable defensive cover for Colombia’s backline, winning duels, breaking up play, and disrupting opposition attacks by putting in strong tackles and recovering possession.

With his immense defensive contributions, the 29-year-old midfielder has played a vital role in helping Los Cafeteros maintain their impressive unbeaten run. Even after primarily operating as a defensive midfielder in Nestor Lorenzo’s setup, Lerma has bagged two important goals this Copa America, displaying his attacking instincts in the final third of play.

In all of this, Jefferson Lerma enjoyed the biggest moment of his career when he headed home the decisive goal in Colombia’s hard-fought 1-0 triumph against Uruguay in the semifinals to become the nation’s hero.

2. Luis Diaz

Luis Diaz has been an integral part of Colombia’s attacking firepower this summer, causing constant problems for opposition defences with his rapid pace, sumptuous dribbling skills, and top-notch creativity from the left flank.

Diaz has scored two goals in the tournament, with his overall attacking play being the highlight of his performances, creating numerous goal-scoring opportunities for his side through his pinpoint passes and crosses.

Along with his crucial attacking outputs, the 27-year-old winger has been equally involved in fulfilling his defensive responsibilities on the other end of the pitch as a part of a more well-rounded and defensively solid Colombian team under coach Nestor Lorenzo, which emphasises team effort rather than individual brilliance.

Luiz Diaz will hope to be at his prolific best against Argentina in the final in order to crown his nation as Copa America champions once again after a long hiatus.

1. James Rodriguez

One of the best players of Copa America 2024 has been a rejuvenated James Rodriguez, who has taken the tournament by storm with his consistent world-class performances that have propelled Colombia all the way to the grand finale.

Rodriguez has been nothing short of phenomenal for Colombia, dictating the tempo of his side’s attacking play with his elite vision, passing, and footballing brain. He is currently the top assist provider in the competition with a record-breaking six assists.

As the captain of Los Cafeteros, Rodriguez’s incredible experience and leadership have proven to be invaluable for the younger players of the squad, enabling them to play at their full potential as a cohesive unit. Colombia’s golden boy also leads the tournament in terms of chances created and boasts a high pass completion rate, particularly in the final third of the pitch, making him a precious creative asset at the heart of the team.

Owing to his stellar displays, the 33-year-old attacking midfielder is the current favourite to claim the Golden Ball award in this year’s Copa America. After years of mediocrity, James Rodriguez has bounced back to become the orchestra conductor for Colombia as he looks to lead them to their second Copa America trophy in their history.

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