Top 15 under the radar players to watch in Copa America
3. Edwin Cardona, M, Colombia
One of the most talented players in Liga MX, Cardona enters the Copa America Centenario in excellent form with a chance to make his mark on the Colombian national team.
The 23-year-old Cardona signed with Monterrey prior to the 2015 season, and he has enjoyed a productive career in the two years since. In 56 appearances, Cordona has 24 goals in 56 appearances. and a brace last week against Club America ensured Monterrey’s spot in the final, where they lost a heartbreaker to Pachuca.
That form has also been apparent in international competitions, as Cardona has scored a pair of goals over the past few months Word Cup qualifier wins for Colombia, including the game-winner in injury time against Bolivia in March. Cardona has earned a regular starting role for the Centenario, as Colombia looks to usher in younger talent in an effort to regain its footing after struggling for the past couple years.
With skill and technical ability that few in the tournament can match, Cardova is always dangerous and can create a goal out of nothing. Colombia is going to need everyone to contribute to naviagate past the stingy defensed of Group A.
If James Rodriguez regain some of the magic from the 2014 World Cup with Cardona’s skill mixed in, Colombia has a great chance to win the Centenario.
Next: 2. Jesus Corona, M, Mexico