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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OPORTO, PORTUGAL – NOVEMBER 24: FC Dynamo Kyiv’s midfielder Derlis Gonzalez during the Champions League match between FC Porto and FC Dynamo Kyiv at Estadio do Dragao on November 24, 2015 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images) /

8. Derlis Gonzalez, M, Paraguay

Gonzalez is already viewed as one of the premier rising young talents in the European domestic ranks, and could transform into a international star with some heroics in the Copa America Centenario.

The 22-year-old already has ample experience with Basel and Dynamo Kiev after transferring from Benfica in 2014, and could be headed for an even bigger club eventually. Gonzalez has been productive at both stops, including three goals in 13 appearances for Kiev this year.

The Paraguayan international has also proven he can be successful against the very best competition, which will need to continue as La Albirroja take on a difficult group. Gonzalez scored for Basel as a 20-year-old against Real Madrid in the 2014-15 Champions League campaign, and he led the heroics against Brazil in the 2015 Copa America quarterfinal.

Bigger stages only seem to make Gonzalez stronger, as he’s scored more goals (6) in the Champions League and internationally then over the last two club seasons (5). Even world class players have had trouble keeping up with Gonzalez on the wings due to his great speed, and Paraguay will ask Gonzalez to play all over the field while facilitating the entire offense.

A productive tournament could both turn Gonzalez into a household name and prime him for a move to one of the major club teams later on.

Next: 7. Salomon Rondon, F, Venezuela

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