As the final group stage gets under way, here is a chance to re-cap on some of the tournament's top performers so far from every country represented. Regretfully there are several more players not featured in this post as there simply isn't room/time to talk about them all. Note that these choices are based largely on the games that GUSU has watched for 90 minutes therefore comments on omissions are very welcome...
Michael Hoyos
Argentina & Estudiantes
Argentina have been largely underwhelming so far yet they topped their group with 10 points from 4 games and were unbeaten in the first group stage. Hoyos has arguably been their best attacking player displaying great skill and ability from time-to-time. He has yet to hit his best form but has contributed well so far and has just one goal to his name. Watch him closely next round as he is capable of stepping up a gear.
Esteban Andrada
Argentina & Lanús
Really impressed with Andrada. He's been solid in goal and is a calming influence on his defenders. The Argentina back line was largely to thank for their unbeaten status in the first round of the competition defending very well as a unit with good shape and discipline. Andrada has been central to this.
Bryan Carrasco
Chile & Audax Italiano
GUSU had been disappointed with Chile's performances before victory over Venezuela in their last game. This man had not been majorly hyped before the tournament and had gone under the radar undetected until the Venezuela game when he exploded into life. Playing in a right wing-back role he was key to nearly every Chilean attack and a constant menace to Venezuela assisting Chile's first two goals. That performance alone has ensured eyes will be firmly on him next game.
Diego Polenta
Uruguay & Genoa
Definitely Uruguay's best player so far and one of the top performers overall in the first stage. Really good at dribbling and has two goals to his name so far. A penalty and this brilliant solo effort.
Lucas
Brazil & São Paulo
Fantastic so far, Lucas has proved irrepressible in Brazil's midfield. He unfortunately didn't get a goal in the first group stage but should have done on more than one occasion, that is perhaps the only criticism that can be aimed at him. He has assisted many and is a constant live wire making Brazil a joy to watch in this tournament along with...
Neymar
Brazil & Santos
Neymar didn't need to announce himself to anyone before the tournament, people are well aware of what an exciting prospect this guy is. Still that failed to dissuade him from bagging four goals in Brazil's opening game against Paraguay in what was a truly glittering display. He scored a good counterattacking goal in Brazil's next game, an entertaining victory over Colombia, and he has just netted two in the first round of final stage games against Chile (but this article was designed to focus on the first round.) Probably the only player so far that we can safely say is destined for great things.
Edson Montaño
Ecuador & Gent
Ecuador have looked like a good team so far. They qualified for the final stage comfortably losing only to Brazil (and have just beaten Argentina). Several of their players have showed promise but GUSU has been most impressed with this man. Three goals to his name so far and assists to go with that make him an exciting player to track throughout the final stage.
Edwin Cardona
Colombia & Atlético Nacional
As mentioned before on this blog, Colombia have been one of the most enjoyable teams to watch and Edwin Cardona has been their best player. Already has four goals this tournament (two penalties) but there is much more to this attacking midfielder's game. Very skilful, very good passer, good at shooting from range and free-kicks.
And it's the end of the line for...
Here are the players whose teams have failed to progress to the final stage meaning we will not get to see any more of them at this tournament. However they will continue to be tracked by GUSU and hopefully reported on with progress.
Christian Cueva
Peru & Universidad San Martín
Peru were an enjoyable team to watch at times and it's a shame the hosts are out of the tournament. Cueva was their best player and was very lively throughout the first group stage. Didn't score himself but assisted several and looks like a technically gifted and creative player.
Yohandry Orozco
Venezuela & Wolfsburg
Due to his constantly impressive performances throughout the first round Orozco has been one of the most talked about players at the tournament. He played well every game for Venezuela and looks like a special talent. How about this goal against Peru? Sealed a deadline day switch to Wolfsburg and is without question a name to remember
Darwin Rios
Bolivia & Guabirá
Apologies for poor quality picture on this guy. Bolivia have had a pretty forgettable tournament only picking up one point (albeit against Brazil) and only scoring three goals. This man got all three and he will be watched in future games.
Oscar Ruiz
Paraguay (Free Agent)
Paraguay were perhaps a little unlucky to go out at the first stage, they have a few talented players with Oscar Ruiz among them. Regularly links-up the play very nicely, has a good shot and can run with the ball. Got himself two goals against Colombia in the last game. Currently without a club so will be interesting to see who comes in for him.
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