Peru will be looking for redemption in The United States following their absolutely disappointing performances in the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifiers where they have failed to record a single victory.
A recent run of three wins and one draw in their last four friendly matches before the tournament will however serve as a confidence boost for La Blanquirroja.
The two time Copa winners will have to punch above their weight if they are to get out of a group containing Argentina, Chile and Canada. Soccernet.football takes a look at seven players that could play a crucial role for them.
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7. Oliver Sonne
The 23-year-old full-back, who plays his club football in Denmark for Silkeborg has become a key member of the Peruvian national team and he will be looking to bring some level of solidity to Peru’s back line.
Sonne’s capabilities at the heart of defense will be very important for La Blanquirroja in the United States and his ability to also contribute upfront with goals and assists increases his value to the team even more.
6. Martin Tavara
The 25-year-old Sporting Cristal midfielder has developed into a central figure for his nation with his ability to control the tempo of games and distribute the ball effectively and he will certainly be playing a significant role in the United States.
Tavara’s strength lies in his versatility as he is capable of playing as a deep-lying playmaker or as a more advanced attacking midfielder. He will be crucial for La Blanquirroja when they have possession and are looking to create scoring opportunities.
5. Bryan Reyna
The 25-year-old winger plies his trade in Argentina for Club Atlético Belgrano where his electric pace, silky dribbling and ability to create opportunities from seemingly impossible situations have been on display since joining in February.
Reyna’s fine performances for Belgrano have earned him a place in Peru’s Copa 2024 squad. La Blanquirroja will be relying on his speed and creativity on the flanks to cause problems for opposition defenders.
4. Joao Grimaldo
Grimaldo is a promising young forward and one of the most exciting talents to emerge from Peru in recent years. His immense potential has been on display at Sporting Cristal where he has progressed from the academy to the senior team.
Despite being relatively inexperienced on the international stage, the 21-year-old is poised to play a vital role for Peru at the Copa America. His movement off the ball and clinical finishing makes him an important asset upfront for La Blanquirroja.
3. Andy Polo
Polo is a versatile winger and forward, capable of playing across the forward line, either as a center-forward or on either flank. His attacking returns for Universitario means he will be heading into the Copa America in fine form.
The 29-year-old is known for his incredible work ethic, tracking back to help out defensively while also being a threat in the final third. La Blanquirroja will be hoping they can benefit from his vast experience in the United States.
2. Andre Carillo
La Blanquirroja will be hoping their star player can overcome his injury worries and remain fit for the duration of their Copa campaign after he missed out on all their recent preparatory fixtures through injury.
If available, Carillo will be Peru’s danger man in the United States. The 32-year-old winger is exciting on the ball and offers great movement off it. He will be looking to inspire Peru on a deep run in what could be his last major outing with La Blanquirroja.
1 Edison Flores
Another seasoned member of La Blanquirroja’s squad, Flores will be one of Peru’s most important players in the United States. The 30-year-old is enjoying fine form in front of goal for Universitario, having notched 11 goal contributions in 23 matches this season.
Flores will be looking to once again play a significant role for his nation this year, having been a crucial part of Peru’s squad in previous Copa America editions. La Blanquirroja will be hoping the winger can translate his Liga 1 Clausura form into the Copa.
