James Rodriguez, Martinez Lead Top Contenders for Copa America Best Player Award
- The 2024 CONMEBOL Copa America tournament is drawing the curtain with the final of the showpiece on the horizon
- Several players, including Colombia's captain, James Rodriguez, have left their unforgettable mark on the competition
- Legit.ng highlights a list of favourites to win the 2024 edition of the Copa America Player of the Tournament prize
The 2024 CONMEBOL Copa America is nearing its conclusion, and one coveted trophy—the Player of the Tournament award—is still up for grabs alongside the ultimate winner's prize.
This prestigious accolade, reserved for the standout player of each edition of this iconic footballing event, has been claimed by numerous elite athletes in the past.
In 2021, Argentine maestro, Lionel Messi, earned this honour, but this year's tournament promises a new recipient of the highly esteemed award.
Source: Getty Images
Throughout the ongoing tournament held in the United States, several players have dazzled audiences with their performances. In light of this, Legit.ng shifts the spotlights to a list of top contenders for the prestigious prize
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Copa America Player of the Tournament potential winners
James Rodriguez
The Colombian captain is unquestionably a frontrunner for this prestigious award.
The midfield maestro has been nothing short of brilliant throughout the Copa America tournament.
The 33-year-old has notched up six assists and a goal in his five appearances so far, earning the Player of the Match award on four occasions.
James is determined to guide Colombia to their first Copa America title since 2001. Should the former Real Madrid star achieve this feat, he will undoubtedly secure the Player of the Tournament prize.
Emiliano Martinez
The 31-year-old is on the cusp of making history, as he could become the first goalkeeper to win the Copa America Player of the Tournament prize.
The Aston Villa shot-stopper has been nothing short of brilliant for his national team at the ongoing showpiece.
Martinez has kept four clean sheets in the five games he has been in goal so far, with the exception being the quarter-final tie against Ecuador.
The goalkeeper was also awarded the Player of the Match in the same encounter after his penalty heroics ensured La Albiceleste secured qualification to the next round.
Davinson Sanchez
The 28-year-old has decisively left his problematic club form behind with a series of impressive performances throughout the ongoing tournament.
The Galatasaray defender has helped the Colombian team secure three clean sheets so far.
Sanchez delivered another remarkable performance in Colombia's semi-final victory over an in-form Uruguay. He expertly controlled the backline, maintaining a clean sheet despite the team playing with 10 men for almost an hour following Daniel Muñoz’s first-half red card. The defender also scored in Colombia's win against Costa Rica.
Lautaro Martinez
Another strong contender for the Player of the Tournament award is the impressive 26-year-old Argentine forward.
Despite limited playing time, the Inter captain tops the goalscoring chart at the tournament with four goals.
Martinez has consistently risen to the occasion to save Lionel Scaloni's side. While it remains uncertain whether he will start in the final, the mercurial forward has demonstrated his effectiveness as a substitute.
Contenders for the Euro player of the tournament
In another report, Legit.ng also compiled a list of potential winners for the UEFA Euro Player of the Tournament award. The final is set for Sunday, July 14, between Spain and England.
Among the contenders are Spain’s rising star, Lamine Yamal, Harry Kane, Dani Olmo, Bukayo Saka, and Rodrigo Hernandez.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
