We are all familiar with the Argentines and Brazilians, Messi and Forlan, Tevez and Robinho, Sanchez and Cambiasso.
Meet the lesser known names strutting their stuff at the 2011 Copa America. Effective players all, they ply their trade for less famous national teams and as such obtain less of the spotlight. Think Norberto Solano as opposed to Ronaldo (the original one).
For a tournament light on parity and the spread of stars, these are the undercards of Copa America 2011:
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Juan Arango - Venezuela/Borussia Moenchengladbach - Captain of the national side, the 31 year old veteran is a canny operator in Europe. Five stellar years at his peak playing for Mallorca in La Liga brought 45 goals in just over 180 games, all from midfield, where he was both creator and finisher of his team's best moves. Now at 'Gladbach in Germany, he returns to conduct the national orchestra, a role he has made his own.
Mario Yepes - Colombia/Milan - Another veteran at both club and international level, the Milan centre-half will surely play his last tournament, having turned 35 earlier this year. 264 clubs games in a nine year span in Europe with French and Italian clubs is no mean feat for the robust defender, whose 78 national team caps are the highest on the current squad.
Antonio Valencia - Ecuador/Manchester United - Oddly, not a headliner despite playing for one of the biggest clubs in the World, the winger who seldom smiles will be both his side's main attraction and prime weapon at the Copa America. After a season that saw him return successfully from injury, his pace and fitness are now back to their best, as he provides a genuine threat down the right wing for Ecuador.
Giovanni Dos Santos - Mexico/Tottenham Hotspur - The lone recognizable face in a Mexico squad, Spurs attacking midfielder scored once every three games for Racing Santander on loan this past season, while continuing to impress at national team level. One of the attacking jewels of Mexico's 2010 World Cup, Dos Santos is the creative catalyst of the current Copa America side. Only 22, he has already played 45 times and scored 11 goals for El Tricolore.
Hugo Rodallega - Colombia/Wigan - A sharpshooter for one of the minnows of the Premier League, the quick footed forward is in his prime for the national team, netting eight times in 38 games. Two fruitful years in the Premier League have brought him 22 goals in 90 games as his effectiveness far outshines his status.
Cristian Riveros - Paraguay/Sunderland - One of the two tricky attackers on show for Paraguay, Riveros will look to continue to build on his impressive 2010 World Cup and hope to add to his 12 national team goals. More at home in the pass oriented slow buildup that characterizes South American football, his dribbling with the ball and movement off of it, will be key components of a Paraguayan attack.
Ronald Raldes - Bolivia/Colon - Captain and defensive mainstay of a Bolivia team that held Argentina to a 1-1 draw in their opening game, the 55 cap veteran is potentially playing his last Copa America. After years of stellar sevice for Rosario Central, Oriente Petrolero and currently, Colon, the centre-half is one of the best readers of the game from the back of the park, strong in the air and assured in the tackle. In a Bolivia team short on potential and skill, Raldes is their one spark.
Cristian Zapata - Colombia/Udinese - Already a Serie A standout, the 24 year old has notched up over 150 games for his club with assured performances that pair tough tackling with superior pace. Signed on the back of an excellent U-20 World Cup in 2005, he has progressed to becoming the mainstay of his country's back four.
Lucas Barrios - Paraguay/Borussia Dortmund - The current star of the national side, his attacking brilliance and speed were the cornerstones of Borussia Dortmund's run and gun style that won them the 2011 Bundesliga crown. An excellent passer, he is deadly with the ball in the opposing box. This effectiveness has earned him the moniker El Pantera (The Panther), while bringing him 44 goals in 67 league games.
Paulo Guerrero - Peru/Hamburg - A gunslinger at league level with 42 goals in 130 games, the 27 year old is finally coming of age for the national team, netting 10 times in 29 matches. In the era post Claudio Pizarro, Guerrero is the focal point of Peru's attack as he brings both pace and powerful finishing to the table.
Giancarlo Maldonado - Venezuela/Atlante - The striker, named Maldogol, is his country's all time leading scorer with 20 goals in 55 appearances. Uniquely, he has played his entire career in South America. Normally deployed at the front of the lineup, his time may be limited as Venezuela continue to start their new strike pairing of Nicu Fedor and Jose Rondon. Still, Maldonado's skill and expertise is widely held in high regard, both for national team and by opposing coaches.
Edison Mendez - Ecuador/Emelec - The 32 year old midfield stalwart is the last of a successful generation that saw Ecuador reach the 2002 and 2006 World Cup finals, narrowly losing to England in the latter's round of 16. A set piece expert, his passing and long range shooting give a limited Ecuador team an extra dimension. Should be an able foil for Chucho Benitez and Valencia as he seeks to end his national career on a high, after 11 years and 90 caps.
Honourable Mentions:
(Players too good for this list but not playing for any of the favourites)
Juan Vargas - Peru/Fiorentina - Nicknamed El Loco, he is a defender, defensive midfielder and all round rock solid compact presence for Peru and Fiorentina. Peru's biggest star and one of Serie A's best players. Present in Adidas print ads. 31 appearances for Peru.
Freddy Guarin, Radamel Falcao - Porto/Colombia - The pair who destroyed opposing defences with pace, precision passing and powerful finishing in the season gone by. Should move on to greener pastures once the new season starts, they are Colombia's Ganso and Neymar, the twin pillars of their nation's Copa America campaign. 60 caps and 8 goals between them.
Nelson Valdez - Paraguay/Hercules - Journeyman pro who upset Barcelona in the Nou Camp this season with a pair of well taken goals for little ol' Hercules. 48 caps and 11 goals for the 27 year old are deserved returns for a career built on hard work and discipline despite a lack of obvious technical gifts or skill. Previously at Dortmund and Bremen, he has racked up 45 goals in 220 games at club level.
Luis Perea - Colombia/Atletico Madrid - Probably the only current Atletico Madrid defender who can concentrate for long stretches of time, his participation in a widely derided defensive unit should not take away from his obvious class, pedigree and set of skills. A mainstay at centre-back and occasional right back for Atleti since 2004, he is also one of the first names on the national team sheet where he shines somewhat brighter. Also, not to be confused with former club teammate (Mariano) Pernea. 54 caps for Colombia.
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