The knockout stages of the Copa America begin this evening as hosts Chile take on Uruguay at the Estadio Nacional in Santiago.
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This match, as well as several other quarter-final ties, will not only feature the best of South American talent, but also players linked heavily to some of Europe’s major clubs this summer.
In this feature, we run down five of the key players to watch during the week’s last-eight ties as they attempt to catch the eye of potential suitors or look to convince would-be buyers of their worth.
Gonzalo Higuain
Argentina haven’t exactly hit the ground running during the tournament, drawing with Paraguay before sneaking past Uruguay and Jamaica.
Higuain found the net once—against the last of the three—but hasn’t exactly ignited like many of us had expected he would.
It remains to be seen whether his muted showings will affect reported interest from Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea [Express].
From Argentina’s point of view, the Albiceleste may well be banking on a big performance from the Napoli man to oust Colombia in the quarter-finals.
Arturo Vidal
Few players have more of a point to prove heading into the quarter-finals than Arturo Vidal.
The Chile midfielder courted controversy earlier in the competition after writing-off his Ferrari and being held by police for alleged drink-driving.
The star has been handed a reprieve by the hosts, and must hope that his work on the field can ultimately do the talking.
If he can overcome his off-field problems, the Juventus man may be set for a big summer move; Arsene Wenger has confirmed his interest in the player, while Manchester United have also been linked to the box-to-box star [Mirror].
Angel Di Maria
After a disappointing maiden season in the Premier League, Angel Di Maria is reportedly angling for a move away from Old Trafford.
The Argentine winger may have contributed 10 assists, but he isn’t universally admired at Old Trafford, and the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain have all been linked with a signing of the former Champions League winner.
Di Maria has been one of the stars of the Copa America to date, which may of course convince Louis van Gaal to keep hold of him!
Douglas Costa
Shakhtar Donetsk attacking midfielder Douglas Costa has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, with both Chelsea and Liverpool reportedly keen on the Brazil star [Metro].
The 24-year-old has admitted he would love to play for Jose Mourinho, and he may soon get his chance, with the Portuguese coach keen to reinforce his offensive options this summer.
Douglas has already made a key contribution at the South American showpiece, having scored the 91st minute winner against Peru.
Sergio Aguero
The Manchester City superstar is, of course, no stranger to European fans, and has reaffirmed so far this tournament, that he could well be the ideal man to lead the line for Real Madrid.
The former Atletico Madrid man has scored two goals in two appearances for the Albiceleste in Chile, and his performances will only convince Florentino Perez that he ought to be considered as the Merengues’ next Galactico.
Beyond the quarter-final bout with Colombia, Aguero will surely have aspirations of leading Argentina to the CONMEBOL title.