Recent Chelsea signing Andre Santos has done exceptionally well as a midfield powerhouse who can play out from the back, compete in the middle and break forward to score goals. His former Vasco da Gama teammate Marlon Gomes is a midfielder with a fine eye for a pass; to make a Chelsea comparison, there’s something of Mason Mount about him.
Another central midfielder who has caught the eye is Colombia captain Gustavo Puerta, who can prompt his team with dynamism from deep and possesses a wicked shot that has brought him two wonderful goals. Right winger Oscar Cortes has also done well: his running with the ball has been both powerful and elusive, and his splendid goal against Paraguay on Friday was perhaps the most important Colombia have scored in the tournament so far.
Speaking of Paraguay, they appear to have unearthed another rugged, combative centre-back in Gilberto Flores, who also offers a threat from set pieces in the opposing penalty area. Ecuador have an interesting target man centre forward in Justin Cuero, and a collection of tricky wingers in Yaimor Medina, Alan Minda and Jose Klinger. The latter is only 17, along with centre-back Davis Bautista, and is a left footer who looks like an interesting prospect.
Venezuela have been something of a disappointment so far, failing to score from open play in six straight games, but there is some talent on show. In a tournament full of promising goalkeepers, Frankarlos Benitez can more than hold his own, while Rafael Uzcategui is a calm central defender with an exciting future.
Already, Brazil and Uruguay have all but booked their places in the Under-20 World Cup in Indonesia in May of this year. Colombia also look a good bet, leaving Paraguay, Ecuador and Venezuela to battle for the remaining slot.
Four sides have already been eliminated so far and the big surprise was Argentina, bundled out after losing three of their four group games. In a very disappointing group, central midfielder Gino Infantino, left-footed and versatile, was their best prospect.
Chile were also dismayed by the performances of what they still hope might be their best generation in well over a decade, but attacking midfielder Lucas Assadi, skilful with a low centre of gravity, is one to watch. Peru lost all of their matches despite alway being competitive, and attacking midfielder Kevin Cabrera added to the reputation he constructed with Melgar in last year’s Copa Sudamericana. Though their tournament is over, Bolivia have grounds for hope in feisty attacking right-back Yomer Rocha and Fernando Nava, a strapping left winger, based in Brazil with Athletico Paranaense, who carries a threat cutting inside onto his right foot.
