Captain America Pulisic stars alongside Messi in Copa America Team of the Round
With the first round of Copa America group stage matches now complete, we’ve taken a look at the standout performers from matchday one. Represented in our Team of the Round are Bolivia, Jamaica, Mexico, USA, Colombia, Argentina and Uruguay.
Guillermo Viscarra (Bolivia) - 7.87
Despite the 2-0 defeat to hosts USA, Bolivia goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra makes our Team of the Round having made a total of six saves in Dallas. The 31-year-old also made seven accurate long balls, contributing to a WhoScored rating of 7.87.
Dexter Lembikisa (Jamaica) - 8.01
20-year-old Wolves wing-back Dexter Lembikisa turned in a fine performance for Jamaica in their narrow defeat to Mexico on Saturday evening. Lembikisa managed three shots on target, three tackles, seven ball recoveries and completed all four of the dribbles he attempted.
The first of two Mexican centre-backs at the heart of our backline is Almeria’s Cesar Montes, who was crucial in his side’s opening victory and clean sheet. The 27-year-old managed one tackle, eight clearances, two interceptions, four ball recoveries, while he also won all seven of the aerial duels he contested.
Joining Montes is teammate Johan Vasquez, who also put in a solid display in Houston. Vasquez managed five passes into the final third, three accurate long balls, three tackles, nine clearances and won 11 duels to return a WhoScored rating of 7.84.
Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson, one of the most impressive performers in the Premier League last season, carried over his form into the USA’s first Copa America game against Bolivia on Sunday night. Robinson made a total of five key passes, with no player making more in the opening round of matches. The 26-year-old also made two accurate crosses, three tackles, thee interceptions and six ball recoveries for a WhoScored rating of 8.37.
James Rodriguez (Colombia) - 8.14
Colombia captain James Rodriguez starred in his nation’s 2-1 victory over Paraguay on Monday night, providing the assist for both goals. Along with his assists, Rodriguez managed three key passes in total, as well as four accurate long balls and five ball recoveries for a WhoScored rating of 8.14.
Jefferson Lerma (Colombia) - 7.83
The second of three Colombia representatives in our XI is Crystal Palace midfielder Jefferson Lerma, who doubled his side’s lead against Paraguay three minutes before half time. Lerma found the net with his only attempt on goal, while he also completed eight passes into the final third, one tackle, one interception and three ball recoveries.
Richard Rios (Colombia) - 7.81
Rounding off our Colombian trio is Palmeiras’ Richard Rios, who impressed alongside Lerma against Paraguay. The 24-year-old managed a whopping eight successful dribbles, more than any other player in the first round of group stage matches, while he also made one key pass and seven ball recoveries for a WhoScored rating of 7.81.
Christian Pulisic (USA) - 8.66
With a WhoScored rating of 8.66, USA captain Christian Pulisic is our Copa America Player of the Round for matchday one. Pulisic was directly involved in both goals in the 2-0 win over Bolivia, scoring and assisting, while he also made three key passes, two successful dribbles, three accurate long balls, two tackles and five ball recoveries.
Lionel Messi (Argentina) - 8.52
In the opening match of what could be his final international tournament, Argentina captain Lionel Messi continued to show his greatness, putting in a Player of the Match performance against Canada. Messi made five key passes, with one of those finding Lautaro Martinez for the defending champions’ second goal of the evening. The recently-turned 37-year-old also completed all four of the long balls he attempted.
Joining Messi in our front two is Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez, who continued his prolific form his country in their opening win over Panama on Sunday evening. The 25-year-old, who now has nine goals in his last six international appearances, found the net with one of five shots, while he also completed three dribbles and won six duels for a WhoScored rating of 8.33.
