If you thought the football season was over, think again. Thursday marks the start of the Copa América, South America’s answer to the Euros and the second biggest prize for all the nations affiliated with FIFA subsidiary CONMEBOL.
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‘Why should I care?’ I hear you ask. Well, with the likes of Brazil and Argentina taking the part, the star power on show cannot be underestimated. However, more importantly, three Chelsea FC senior squad members will be representing their respective countries in a quest to win the coveted piece of silverware.
So along with other writers here at The Pride Of London, we have put together a little preview for you lucky readers, in order to whet your appetite for what should be a month of great football.
Take a look as we run down the Chelsea players involved.
Next: Brazil - Willian
David Rouben: Willian enters the Copa América as the best Chelsea player in attendance. Throughout the season, he was consistent on the right flank and was able to drop back more often than not.
He impressed on the attacking side too, efficiently providing great runs into the box. His two best moments were his last-gasp goal against Everton and assisting on Branislav Ivanovic’s header against Liverpool to send Chelsea to the Capital One Cup Final.
On the back of a good season and being part of a revamped Brazil squad, Willian should be able to get more playing time in this tournament. During the World Cup, he was meant to be used as an impact sub but ended up getting the Cuadrado treatment as Brazil’s manager at the time, Luiz Felipe Scolari, preferred Hulk over Willian. But that’s a matter for another day. He’ll likely be sharing the pitch with Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho while having Neymar on the other flank.
After suffering a historic humiliation at the World Cup which players and fans are sure not to forget anytime soon, expect Brazil to come out hungrier and more determined than ever. The first step in the right direction for Dunga and Co. will be winning the Copa America, and while Neymar is head and shoulders above the rest of the team, Willian should also prove to be one of the most reliable players during the tournament.
Next: Brazil - Filipe Luis
Johann Almeida: Filipe Luis finds himself in an interesting position. Unable to break into the first team during his debut season at Stamford Bridge, he is the undisputed starter for Brazil.
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Not only that, with the untested youngster Geferson having recently been called up after Marcelo pulled out with an injury, Luis has virtually no competition for his spot. In fact, with a star-studded bench, I would venture to say that he is the least replaceable player on the Brazilian starting XI.
Brazil fans that watched the friendly against Mexico last Sunday will know that Luis can more than rise to a challenge. With Neymar recovering from treble hangover, Luis assumed a dominant place on Brazil’s left flank, looking like the lone winger at times. In fact, it was his assist to Philippe Coutinho that opened up the scoreline. Furthermore, he also combined very well with Felipe Anderson, and provided effortless cover in defense.
If he continues to play in that fashion, Brazil can begin to recover from Marcelo’s woeful showings in last year’s World Cup. With his future at Chelsea up in the air, this may well be an opportunity to prove his quality.
Who knows? Maybe Mourinho might tune in to a game or two and have a change of heart next season
Next: Colombia - Juan Cuadrado
Khaled Abdallah: Hoping to put his disappointing campaign with Chelsea FC behind him, Juan Cuadrado will be one of the spearheads of Colombia’s potent attack. The Colombian, along with James Rodriguez, took a star turn in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil as Los Cafeteros reached the quarterfinals but were eliminated in controversial fashion by the hosts.
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Cuadrado, nicknamed “La Vespa” in Italy, never played for Chelsea with the same verve and freedom that he does for his nation. Perhaps it was the pressure to prove himself in 10 or 15 minute spurts but he never seemed comfortable in a blue shirt. With Colombia (and Fiorentina) he is an entirely different player who takes on defenders and provides his forwards with excellent service in the box.
With Colombia featuring a true centre-forward in Radamel Falcao once again, look for Cuadrado to re-establish his connection with James and “El Tigre” Falcao. The pair already combined for a goal in a friendly against Mexico this week and it could be a sign of things to come in the Copa América.
There are strong rumors that Cuadrado may be sold off this summer just six months after joining the club, but this tournament is an excellent chance for him to put on a show and prove his worth. However, we will have to wait and see whether that audition is for Jose Mourinho or the number of clubs interested in him.
Next: Colombia - Radamel Falcao
Ajitesh Rasgotra: Yes, Falcao is not a Chelsea player but with the amount of rumours swirling with regards to a potential move to West London, it may be well worth keeping an eye on him.
The Colombian endured a torrid time at Manchester United this past campaign, having joined them last summer in what must be the most expensive deal that wasn’t really a deal but is still a deal…deal. With United deciding not to extend his stay up north, there are still many suitors for the 29 year old striker and this will be an ideal shop window for him to show off.
Playing in an exiting team alongside James Rodriguez and the previously profiled Juan Cuadrado, Falcao should not find himself starved of opportunities in front of goal. If he can find the devastating form that made him one of the most coveted strikers in the world, there is no knowing how far Colombia could go in the competition.
Further to that, it could be a significant rejuvenation that could restart the forward’s career.
Next: The Round-Up
That should you have up to date with all the Chelsea interests in the forthcoming Copa América. The first game kicks-off at 19:30 ET on Thursday night with hosts Chile taking on Ecuador in front of what is sure to be a passionate crowd.
While this game doesn’t especially involve any current Blues players, be sure to check back in with The Pride Of London where we’ll be keeping you updated with everything CFC in South America.
Next: Chelsea FC: Most Likely Exits