The 2021 Copa America will be an exciting tournament, no question, with the best talents from South American soccer on display. The cup competition usually has amazing goals, skills, and standout players. There will be players to watch and national teams to reconsider on the road to World Cup qualifying.
Brazil seems to be the clear favorite, while Argentina will look to surprise many, with a less impressive squad than years past, and Uruguay, who have been up and down in qualifying will look to right the ship in Brazil.
Every team has a player that is missing or could lend a hand, here is a list of 7Copa America snubs, these players might have helped their national teams in some way but were left off the roster.
Diego Rossi
Diego Rossi (Getty)
The Uruguayan forward has been a huge contributor at LAFC since his arrival in 2018. Rossi was called into the national team on various occasions but is yet to earn a cap. Battling an early season injury, he was able to score 3 goals in 5 games this season. Rossi could have provided energy and youth up front for Uruguay.
Raúl Ruidíaz
Raúl Ruidíaz (Getty)
Inexplicably left off of Peru’s roster, Raúl Ruidíaz has been nothing but a great goal scorer in MLS. Yes, his national team career has not been anything to write home about, 4 goals in 47 caps. Ruidíaz is arguably playing the best soccer of his career. Ricardo Gareca chose to go with 4 forwards with 0 international goals, a decision that might spell the end of the Argentine at Peru.
Roberto Pereyra
Roberto Pereyra (Getty)
In a national team with a lot of hyped-up talent the hard working and consistency of Roberto Pereyra could be missed. Pereyra had an exceptional season at Udinese, but was left off in favor of players who are neither consistent nor contributors to Argentina usually.
James Rodríguez
James Rodríguez (Getty)
James Rodríguezwas left off of the Colombian national team amidst some controversy, according to National Team coach Reinaldo Rueda, Rodríguez is not fully fit and could not partake in the tournament, but according to the player himself he is fully fit and ready to go. James Rodríguez absence from Colombia has divided the country as the player took to Instagram to voice his frustration for being left off the final roster.
Juan Fernando Quintero
Juan Fernando Quintero (Getty)
Juan Fernando Quintero could always provide a spark off the bench but seems to be victim of playing in China than anything else. With great passing and a deadly free kick, why he is not in the fold is head scratching especially considering the injury to James Rodriguez.
Paolo Guerrero
Paolo Guerrero (Getty)
Paolo Guerrero is another big gun from Peru that was left off the squad, Guerrero is coming off of an injury and lack of playing time, and this forced Gareca’s hand, and the talented and deadly forward had to be left off.
Lucas Ocampos
Lucas Ocampos (Getty)
Hot and cold midfielder Lucas Ocampos at times shows he could be a strong presence on the Argentine national team, and at others is just another player in the mix. Following a pretty down season for Sevilla the talented but not consistent Ocampos found himself off the Copa America roster. When hot, he could be a real spark plug.
