Ecuador are set to make their 30th appearance at the 2024 Copa America where they will be looking to spring a surprise on the traditional favourites as they aim to win the tournament for the first time.
La Tri will head to the United States under the stewardship of Spanish gaffer Felix Sanchez Baz who has put together a squad which boasts a mix of exciting young talents and seasoned professionals.
Soccernet.football takes a look at seven players who will spearhead La Tri’s attempt to displace the continent’s footballing giants in the United States.
Related Post
7. Piero Hincapié
The 22-year-old has made a name for himself in Europe playing for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. He featured 43 times for Die Werkself as they cruised to an unbeaten domestic double.
His composure on the ball, ability to read the game, and versatility to play as a center-back or left-back makes him an important asset for Ecuador heading into the Copa.
Hincapié’s presence in defense will be crucial for La Tri and his ability to contribute in attack also makes him one to look out for at the tournament.
6. Felix Torres
Torres is a commanding center-back and a key figure in Ecuador’s defense. Currently plying his trade in Brazil for Corinthians, the 27-year-old has established himself as an imposing defender.
Torres’ leadership at the back and defensive solidity could prove crucial when La Tri come up against strong attacking teams in the United States.
Ecuador manager Felix Sanchez Baz will be hoping that a back line consisting Torres and Hincapié can help his team keep out opposition attackers more often than not.
5. Kendry Paez
One of the most exciting young talents in Ecuadorian football, the 17-year-old attacking midfielder possesses exceptional vision, passing and dribbling abilities, playing with a maturity beyond his years.
Paez is already making waves with Independiente del Valle in Ecuador’s domestic league, registering 10 goal involvements in 17 matches so far.
Paez’s inclusion in Ecuador’s Copa 2024 squad is a testament to his talent and potential. We expect to see him play an impactful role for El Tri in the United States.
4. John Yeboah
Yeboah, who is a natural attacking midfielder, is also capable of playing as a winger or center-forward and he will provide flair and creativity for Ecuador in attack.
The 23-year-old plays for Ekstraklasa side Rakow Czestochowa in Poland where his technicality and goal-scoring ability was on show during the 2023/2024 campaign.
Yeboah’s speed and dribbling make him a constant threat to opposition defenders, while his ability to feature in multiple attacking positions will provide Sanchez Baz with tactical flexibility.
3. Jeremy Sarmiento
Widely regarded as the future of Ecuadorian football, the 21-year-old winger displayed glimpses of his potential while on loan at Ipswich Town from Brighton and Hove Albion this past season.
Sarmiento joined Ipswich Town in the winter transfer window and helped the Tractor Boys win promotion to the English Premier League after a 22-year absence.
The young forward has his entire career ahead of him and we expect him to play a key role for Ecuador in this year’s tournament and beyond.
2. Moises Caicedo
Caicedo has rapidly risen to prominence as one of South America’s most promising central midfielders and he is set to be the engine box that will drive La Tri’s midfield at the Copa America.
After a rollercoaster debut campaign for Chelsea, the 22-year-old will be looking to put the struggles of this past season behind him by putting in a very good shift for his nation in the United States.
Ecuador will look to Caicedo to control the tempo in games, break up opposition attack and transition their play from defense to attack.
1. Enner Valencia
The veteran forward and captain of the Ecuadorian national team, having enjoyed an illustrious career playing in England, Mexico, Turkey and now Brazil with Internacional will once again be a crucial figure in La Tri’s attacking setup.
The 34-year-old striker is widely known for his pace, strength and goal-scoring prowess which enables him to find the back of the net in critical moments and makes him indispensable for Ecuador.
Valencia will be tasked with leading the front line for Ecuador at the 2024 Copa America and his teammates will be hoping they can rely on his leadership and experience to inspire a deep run into the tournament.
Comments 1