By Braden Chalker
Brazil will need several key players to do their part this summer if they are to wear the Copa America crown once more.
While Argentina and Lionel Messi will no doubt have their sights set on repeating at Copa America champions, nine-time winners Brazil might have something to say about that. They are one of the favorites in the competition, after all, alongside Argentina and Uruguay -- who have both won the tournament 15 times each.
If Dorival Junior is guide Brazil to glory in the United States come late June, he'll have to rely on a handful of the team's most influential players to lift their 10th title.
Here are Brazil's five most important players at this summer's Copa America.
5. Rodrygo
While there's much buzz around teenage sensation Endrick -- who's scored twice in four Brazil appearances -- Real Madrid figure Rodrygo will more than likely get the starting nod up front and center.
The 23-year-old winger-turned-striker may not have the best goal-scoring record for his country five five goals in 22 appearances, but he'll need to be sure he has on his shooting boots come Matchday 1.
4. Lucas Paqueta
Brazil are blessed with several talented midfielders in their ranks with the likes of Douglas Luiz, Bruno Guimaraes and Joao Gomez. But West Ham United's Lucas Paqueta just might be the best one from the bunch.
The former Lyon player will be expected to shoulder the bulk of the attacking midfield responsibilities to play the likes of Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior through on goal.
3. Alisson
It's easy to talk about just the forwards and midfielders in star-studded squad like Brazil. However, defense wins championships, and that idea extends to the world's most popular sport.
Alisson remains one of the world's best shot-stoppers. The experienced goalkeeper has come up time and time again for both Brazil and Liverpool, and you can expect him to continue that theme this summer for his country.
2. Marquinhos
Not only is PSG icon Marquinhos Brazil's best defender, but the 30-year-old is also the team's captain and a player who must lead by example at Copa America.
With Marquinhos' excellent defending combined with Alisson's super shot-stopping abilities, there's no reason as to why Brazil can't put together the tournament's best defensive record.
1. Vinicius Junior
If Brazil are going to at least reach the final this summer, you can expect Vinicius Junior to play his part in the team reaching the final hurdle.
Not only has he become a goal threat for club and national team alike, but the Real Madrid winger is chance-creating machine with his electric pace and second-to-none dribbling ability. If Vinicius is fit, Brazil will make life very difficult for opposing defenses.
This article was originally published on 90min.com as Brazil's five most important player at Copa America 2024.
