Copa America 2024: Brazil’s Real Madrid-bound Endrick, Ecuador’s Kendry Páez and the young players to watch

International tournament season is one of the best parts of the summer. Not only is it all a celebration of football and culture, but it’s also a time to see players from teams you’d probably rarely watch during a grueling club season. The Copa América is a great tournament for this, as the South American teams consist of many talents from the national league, but in this year’s edition, Concacaf’s participation only adds to the intrigue.

Some young stars from this tournament are already moving to big clubs around the world and the Copa América will be an opportunity to meet them. Let’s take a look at some players to watch:

Kendry Páez, midfielder, Ecuador

Looking at which young player might have the biggest impact on the national team during the tournament, it’s hard not to start with 17-year-old Ecuadorian star Kendy Páez. The Chelsea-bound midfielder is currently at Independiente Del Valle until July 2025 when he joins the Blues, but during this tournament he will show the world why Chelsea I already hired him. This is an Ecuadorian team full of stars like moisés Caicedo, William Pacho, and Piro Hincapie, but Páez could be on track to be the greatest. Already set to be the creative force behind La Tri, expect Páez to be everywhere creating chances for Enner Valencia And the rest of the team.

Endrick, Forward, Brazil

Another 17-year-old with his future already mapped out, Endrick will go to Real Madrid in July when he turns 18 and the Brazilian lineup could offer a glimpse of the future as he will be alongside Rodrygo It is Vinícius Junior but he has already shown that he can contribute goals in three of Brazil’s last four matches. Capable of playing as a striker or winger, Endrick is coming off a season in which he scored 13 goals in all competitions for Palmeiras, an impressive return for his age. Growing in confidence every day, this is a tournament where he will truly excel.

Daniel Pereiramidfielder Venezuela

Enjoying a strong season for Austin F.C. Despite the poor performance of the team as a whole, Pereira will be one of the MLS names in the competition for Venezuela’s midfield along with Jose Martinez. But while both are defensive-minded, Pereira, a former No. 1 overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft out of Virginia Tech, has two assists this season after a five-assist last season for Austin. Venezuela is a team with little creativity, so having someone in the squad who can cover ground and transform defense into attack will be the difference in getting out of a very competitive group.

Valentin Carboni, midfielder Argentina

Bursting near the end of the season for MonzaValentín Carboni scored five goals this season, attracting attention and making the Argentine squad for the World Cup alongside another 19-year-old, Alejandro Garnacho. Lionel Messi praised Carboni’s talent and this could be the moment we start to see Argentina’s future in 10th place in a world without Messi. The Albiceleste have done a good job of balancing the present with the future over the last few years and Carboni could be the latest young player to make the breakthrough, as he will have the luxury of being ahead at half-time in most games, allowing ability to rotate and get experience from different players.