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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PORTLAND, OR – NOVEMBER 22: Darlington Nagbe /

9. Darlington Nagbe, M, United States

MLS fans will be familiar with Nagbe, who helped lead the Portland Timbers to the 2015 MLS Cup. Now, Nagbe is making a case for more playing time with the United States national team, and could get a chance to make a name for himself at the international level.

Nagbe has carried high expectations since being selected second overall in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft, earning a spot in Portland’s starting 11 shortly after. In 171 appearances since, Nagbe has scored 24 goals, nine of which came in his career-best 2013 season.

Klinsmann wanted to be patient with Nagbe in hopes of grooming him for the 2018 World Cup and would not give Nagbe the national team call until a pair of qualifiers in November of 2015. Nagbe only recently made the case for more playing time with a 90th minute winner against Ecuador last week, and a great all-around performance should earn him a starting spot in the USA midfield.

As MLS fans are well aware, Nagbe can provide some incredible finishes, and tallied the league’s goal of the year in his rookie season. Nagbe also has the athleticism to deal with the fast teams the United States will see in the Copa America, and is an excellent passer in the midfield.

Nagbe might be thought of as a player who won’t contribute much until the 2018 World Cup, but he’s poised to have a big tournament in the Centenario.

Next: 8. Derlis Gonzalez, M, Paraguay

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