Top five youngsters who impressed in Copa America 2024 group stages

Colombia and Uruguay have impressed the most.

With the group stage phase of Copa America 2024 drawing to a close, the tournament in the United States this summer has already proven to be a delightful watch for worldwide football fans due to its high-octane entertainment, underdog stories, and unbelievable moments.

As the enthralling knockout rounds approach, the spotlight is on the stellar performances of several upcoming young talents. With that said, here are the top five youngsters who have impressed in the Copa America 2024 group stages:

Jon Aramburu (Venezuela)

Tournament dark horse Venezuela have enjoyed a perfect group stage phase at the 2024 Copa America with three wins out of a possible three, resulting in a top-of-the-table finish in Group B. Defender Jon Aramburu has had a breakthrough campaign with La Vinotinto with his solid performances.

Despite not playing the opening game against Ecuador, the 21-year-old right-back started against Mexico. It was rock solid in defence during his international tournament debut, helping Venezuela to a narrow 1-0 win.

Aramburu displayed his versatility in the final group game against Jamaica when he was asked to play at left back by coach Leandro Cufré. He put in an excellent performance yet again as he bagged an assist and a clean sheet to guide Venezuela to a dominating 3-0 win.

With two clean sheets and an assist in two appearances, Venezuela’s Jon Aramburu is a player to watch out for in the knockout rounds of the competition.

Joe Scally (USA)

Despite the USA’s mixed-bag home tournament at the 2024 Copa America, Joe Scally has been a consistent performer in the USMNT’s backline.

Scally was tasked with a massive role coming into the tournament, as he had to replace the injured Sergino Dest at right back, who was an ever-present figure in Gregg Berhalter’s team.

The 21-year-old full-back has been more than reliable at the back in the competition so far, as he played an integral role in the USA’s opening game, a 2-0 triumph against Bolivia. Even in the United States’ shock 2-1 defeat to Panama in the following match, Joe Scally had a solid overall performance.

Ismael Kone (Canada)

One of the top performers in Canada’s successful qualification to the quarterfinals of the 2024 Copa America has been their talented midfielder, Ismael Kone.

Kone has had stellar displays in this tournament, as he has been a strong presence in the double pivot role for Jesse Marsch’s side through his strong defensive game.

Despite Canada’s opening match loss to Argentina, the 22-year-old midfielder was one of the standout players for his side, and he carried that momentum into the crucial next game, wherein he put in a world-class performance as Canada edged past 10-man Peru to win 1-0.

After already picking up a yellow card in the tournament, Ismael Kone was an unused substitute in Canada’s goalless draw against Chile in their final group game, as Jesse Marsch looked to have him ready for the upcoming decisive knockout rounds.

Sávio (Brazil)

After a surprising goalless draw in their opening fixture against Costa Rica, tournament favourites Brazil got their 2024 Copa America back on track with a commanding 4-1 win against Paraguay in the following match, and one of the star performers in that game was skilled winger Sávio.

After a bright substitute cameo against Costa Rica in the opening game, Sávio was awarded a starting lineup spot by coach Dorival Junior in Brazil’s crucial match against Paraguay.

The 20-year-old winger replaced Raphinha with flying colours as he opened his account by scoring Seleção Canarinha’s second goal of the game and had an exceptional overall performance.

Following his consistent world-class displays, Savio is expected to be a mainstay in Dorival Junior’s Brazil setup heading into the crucial knockout rounds of the competition.

Facundo Pellistri (Uruguay)

Uruguay has been one of the most entertaining teams in the 2024 Copa America, with talented youngster Facundo Pellistri having his breakout campaign through his incredible performances.

After a solid outing against Panama, the 22-year-old winger was at his stellar best in the 5-0 win against Bolivia, as he netted Uruguay’s opening goal of the match and also recorded an assist to cap an amazing display.

Having started in both of La Celeste’s dominating wins against Panama and Bolivia, Pellistri is a key player in Marcelo Bielsa’s plans this summer as Uruguay prepares for the decisive knockout rounds of the competition.

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