Those Copa America Players You Might Not Have Heard Of...but probably should have

Juan Arango (Forward)
Venezuela
Club: Mallorca (ESP)

One of the most famous goalscorers to come out of Venezuela with 20 goals in 53 international caps. He has carved himself out a small legacy at Mallorca in La Liga having hit for 26 goals in over 100 appearances. The Copa America is important to Arango due to his impending contract expiration on July 1st. La Liga big guns Valencia are the leaders in that courtship as of now, but his stock could rise or fall depending on his performance at home.


Afonso Alves (Forward)
Brazil Club: Heerenveen

Yes, most of us might have heard of him but the truth his this past year in Eredivisie was undoubtedly a breakthrough. The Heerenveen sniper struck for 34 goals in 31 games with the Frisians in all matches, but will most likely lose the World Golden Boot to Didier Drogba as the the league is considered easier, and rightfully so, (a 1.5 coefficient I think) than England, Spain, or Germany. His goalscoring rampage didn't start in Holland. Instead, Swedish goalkeepers were terrorized by Alves when he played for Orgryte and Malmo FF scoring 52 goals in 94 games collectively. He has been linked heavily with Benfica and, at times, Chelsea but his Copa America coupling up front with Fred or Julio Baptista will determine where he ends up. Like Ruud Van Nistlerooy and Klaas Jan Huntelaar before, Heerenveen will be hoping he stays at least another year (as he was their record signing) but the suitors are lining up as his numbers speak for himself.


Jorge Valdivia (Midfielder)
Chile
Club: Palmeiras (BRA)

Considered the most technically gifted on the Chilean squad and within his. Venezualan born but Chilean-raised, Validivia has been extremely loyal to playing in South America as his talent and age (only 24) still appeal to European clubs (several La Liga clubs have been in contact). His two previous stints, however, at Servette in Switzerland and Rayo Vallecano (old Kasey Keller club) ended somewhat disappointingly. Success came for Valdivia after his move to Palmeiras and his first season and a half has found him productive at attacking midfield with 7 goals in 26 appearances. Valdivia will be the playmaker in Chile's attack-laden team (you could say that about all of the South American teams though) and his skill and vision needs to be on point in a group consisting of Brazil, Mexico, and Ecuador.


Edgar Barreto
Paraguay
Club: NEC Nijmegen (HOL)

Barreto, an attacking midfielder, has already made the trek eastward and found success. His career started Paraguay's Cerro Porteno until Dutch scouts found the youth talent and at one point he was close to signing for Ajax, but that deal never materialized. He ended up signing for NEC Nijmegen in 2004 and has fought injuries while serving as the attacking engine of the squad. His play has often linked him to both Ajax again, PSV, and AZ Alkmaar as well as several teams in the Bundesliga. Barreto was on Paraguay's roster for the 2002 and 2006 World Cup and played in both.