The long-awaited Gold Cup 2021 is getting close and the soccer community in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean is already looking forward to it. The tournament will begin on July 2 with the first round of the prelims, with the group stage kickoff set for July 10.
Thirteen teams have already sealed their place in the Gold Cup 2021 group phase, while twelve sides will battle for the three remaining spots to complete the groups. The competition will conclude on August 1 with the grand final to be played in Las Vegas. Mexico will try to retain their crown, while the USMNT wants to secure the title at home.
Throughout the tournament, however, we'll watch the greatest players of the region. Here, check out the most valuable player of each national team that has already qualified for the group stage. The ranking is based on their market values according to TransferMarkt.
13. Darwin Cerén (El Salvador)
Market value: $660 thousand
The 31-year-old defensive midfield has a long experience representing his country, having earned 63 caps and scoring four times. Darwin Cerén currently plays for the MLS side Houston Dynamo after spells with Orlando City and San Jose Earthquakes in the same league.
12. Shandon Baptiste (Grenada)
Market value: $880 thousand
The English-born central midfield plays for Brentford, who have recently secured promotion to the Premier League 2021/22. Shandon Baptiste is Grenada's most valuable player at 23 years of age and with a bright future ahead of him.
11. Patrick Burner (Martinique)
Market value: $2.20 million
Patrick Burner, 25, performs as a right-back for French club Nimes Olympique, where he arrived last summer for $1.65 million from OGC Nice. The right-back has amassed 78 Ligue 1 games so far, scored once, and provided one assist.
10. Randall Leal (Costa Rica)
Market value: $3.30 million
The 24-year-old left-winger performs for MLS side Nashville SC, where he joined them last year from Saprissa. Randal Leall has already played for the senior team of Costa Rica 19 times after making all the way from the youth teams.
9. Akram Afif (Qatar)
Market value: $3.85 million
Akram Afif, 24, has had different spells in Spanish soccer, playing for the likes of Villarreal and Sporting Gijón before joining Al-Sadd SC, where he currently plays. The left-winger has an impressive 14 goals in 48 appearances with Qatar, who were invited to the Gold Cup 2021.
8. Michael Murillo (Panama)
Market value: $4.40 million
The Anderlecht player had jumped to European soccer after playing over 60 games in the MLS with the New York Red Bulls. Michael Murillo is Panama's most valuable player right now. At 25 years of age, he has represented Panama 42 times and scored twice.
7. Alberth Elis (Honduras)
Market value: $4.40 million
Honduras star has taken his game to the next level by joining Portuguese side Boavista last summer. Alberth Elis, 25, performs as a right-winger and has 10 goals in 42 appearances with Honduras. He has played for the likes of Olimpia, Monterrey, and Houston Dynamo.
6. Ridgeciano Haps (Suriname)
Market value: $4.95 million
Ridgeciano Haps plays for Dutch giants Feyenoord in the Eredivisie. The Utrecht-born left-back has Suriname citizenship and he is the national team's most valuable player. At 28 years of age, he has amassed over 100 games in the Dutch top-flight and also won two domestic titles, the Dutch Cup and the Super Cup.
5. Daryl Dike (USMNT)
Market value: $5.50 million
Orlando City's prodigy will face a big challenge in the upcoming Gold Cup 2021 leading the USMNT attack. Daryl Dike, 21, has already caught the attention of Premier League teams, and he is expected to shine in this tournament.
4. Juninho Bacuna (Curaçao)
Market value: $5.50 million
The Groningen-born central midfield performs for English club Huddersfield and has previously played for Dutch side FC Groningen. Juninho Bacuna is arguably Curaçao's greatest player right now, as he has plenty of Eredivisie and Championship experience only at his 23 years of age. He has scored twice in 10 caps with Curaçao.
3. Leon Bailey (Jamaica)
Market value: $38.50 million
The Bayer Leverkusen star is one of Jamaica's brightest talents as he quickly became a Bundesliga figure since joining the league in 2017. Therefore, the 23-year-old is expected to carry the Reggae Boyz to a good finish in the 2021 Gold Cup.
2. Hirving Lozano (Mexico)
Market value: $49.50 million
A player that needs no introduction, Hirving Lozano will be one of the biggest superstars to take part in the 2021 Gold Cup. The Napoli winger is the key player of Gerardo Martino's side and Mexico are hopeful of winning the title for a second straight time with him on board.
1. Alphonso Davies (Canada)
Market value: $77 million
The Canadian sensation has hogged the spotlight with his impressive appearances in the MLS before joining the German giants Bayern Munich. Once with the Bavarians, Davies proved to be up for the challenge and has earned an important place in their squad. The 20-year-old left-back has nine goals in 20 appearances with the Canucks.
