CM: Egidio Arevalo (Uruguay) was the water carrier of the Uruguay side and his constant industry and hard work allowed the more attacking members of the side to flourish after Arevalo had broken down the work of the opposition. Played everything very simply and made his job look easy, which any good defensive midfield player does. Great performances against Argentina and Paraguay in the final cement the Tijuana midfielder’s place in this team. Suarez and Forlan may grab the headlines but without the industry of Arevalo, Uruguay would have struggled.
CM: Tomas Rincon (Venezuela) was another defensive midfield, water carrier who shone throughout the tournament. Candidates for this spot Ramires (Brazil) and Vidal (Chile) both fell apart against Rincon’s Venezuelan side and all the while Rincon kept his cool and delivered a master-class in selfless defensive play for the benefit of the team, especially against Brazil. This industrious and energetic display against Brazil alone earns him his place in this team.
AML: Juan Arango (Venezuela) was the spearhead of everything good that came from them. Every time he got the ball it felt like he was going to create something with his creativity and inventiveness. Was Venezuela’s only creative outlet against Brazil and was inspirational in the quarter final victory over Chile where he set up both his sides goals and generally ran the show. A relatively well known name due to his time at Real Mallorca, he is now playing for Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany and at 31 his best years may be behind him.
AMR: Much was made of attacking winger Alexis Sanchez (Chile) before the tournament with interest from Europes top clubs mounting and it’s easy to see why. Quick, skilful and creative he is everything you want from an attacking player. Exciting throughout the tournament, he performed well against Mexico and Peru, scored against Uruguay and was Chile’s best player in their final game against Venezuela where he created Chile’s goal. He has just signed for Barcelona in a big money deal and is definitely one to keep an eye on next season.
AMC: Diego Forlan (Uruguay) continued his fine International record and once again showed why he is so important to Uruguay. Played the majority of the tournament in a deeper role than we’ve seen in recent years, providing for Luis Suarez and Edison Cavani in a more advanced position. Pulled the strings for Uruguay but still wore his shooting boots, netting a brace in the final. At 32 this could be the Atletico Madrid man’s last chance to impress on the international stage and he showed just why he has had such a successful career at the top level.
ST: Up front is the player of the tournament and without a doubt the star of the show, Luis Suarez (Uruguay.) Was one of Uruguay’s creative influences in the group stage and netted in the opening 1:1 draw with Peru and then came to life in the knockout rounds netting twice in the semi final against the Peruvians again. Skilful, influential and at times unplayable, Liverpool fans have got a lot to be excited about if ‘King’ Kenny can continue to get the best out of Suarez, especially following this tournament winning Copa America display.
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