Top 15 under the radar players to watch in Copa America

MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 27: Jose Maria Gimenez of Atltetico looks on during the UEFA Champions League semi final first leg match between Club Atletico de Madrid and FC Bayern Muenchen at Vincente Calderon on April 27, 2016 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images) /

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ST ALBANS, ENGLAND – APRIL 23: David Ospina of Arsenal during a training session at London Colney on April 23, 2016 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) /

14. David Ospina, G, Colombia

While Ospina’s 2015-16 domestic season didn’t exactly go according to plan, he has a great opportunity to leave an impression as the starting goaltender for Colombia in the Copa America.

Ospina signed with Arsenal prior to the 2014-15 English Premier League season with the intention of being the first-team goalie for the foreseeable future, and was indeed in fine form that year when healthy. However, Arsenal added Petr Cech one year later, relegating Ospina to backup duty for much of the season.

When Cech suffered a hamstring injury in early March, Ospina got a chance to start four EPL games. Ospina struggled in the last of those four contest, allowing three goals against West Ham, and was immediately replaced when Cech was ready.

With no path to regular playing time, Ospina appears headed to Bestikas next season, and his up-and-down performance has left many down on him. However, Ospina also turned a pair of EPL clean sheets during his brief stint as a starter, along with some good performances in the FA Cup.

Should that form continue with more consistency over the next month, Ospina will get right back to his 2014-15 level. Ospina may not be the best goaltender at the Centenario, but he is good enough to lead a dangerous Colombia team on a deep run.

Next: 13. Ronald Matarrita, D, Costa Rica

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