Copa America 2021 preview: Neymar-driven Brazil favourite to win 10th title

The 2021 Copa America would be the 47th edition of the tournament, with Brazil being the nine-time defending champion. The team would be led by star striker Neymar, who would look to lay hands on the coveted title for the first time, making Samba the favourite.

The football fans are gearing up for the highly anticipated Copa America 2021. Although the host nation for the same remains doubtful, the teams have begun preparations for the same, including the nine-time defending champion, Brazil.

The team is set to be led by its star striker, Neymar. While he missed out on the title-winning edition the last time, he would look to be a part of it this time, as we present the preview of the side for this high-profile competition.

Team composition
The side is yet to announce the squad for the tournament. However, some prolific players would heavily balance it, besides being led by prolific forward Neymar.

Alisson Becker would rule the goalkeeping department's goal line and be a wall for all the strikers from his opposing teams, making him difficult to penetrate. As for the defenders, players like Marquinhos, Thiago Silva and Diego Carlos are sure to feature in the competition, with the former two being in fine form.

Although the midfield line-up could lack enough star power, it is sure to have Arthur and Casemiro, along with Everton Soares, who can take care of the assists, besides being strong in the wings. As for the forward line-up, the department would be headed by Neymar, with Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino being a force to be reckoned with.

Players to watch out
Neymar: First and foremost, Neymar will have a demanding role to play and would be one of the most feared strikers of the tournament. Furthermore, his flawless form of late makes him a favourite to finish as the tournament's top goal-scorer. However, he must curb his tendency to dive and fake injuries.

Alisson: The Liverpool goalkeeper is undoubtedly one of the best goalkeepers in the world right now. Having saved Liverpool from getting hammered on countless occasions in the past few seasons, he will have a similar role to play in the goal-line and would be a favourite for the goalkeeper of the tournament award.

Marquinhos: The defender and captain of Paris Saint-Germain is undoubtedly one of the top defenders in the world. Being an experienced guy in the sport, he has his valuable inputs ready and handy to help the side to glory, while he would leave no stones unturned to lay his hands on the title.

Firmino: The Liverpool striker is a heavy-duty man and has played a significant role in the side's success of late. As he looks to continue with the same momentum, he would be the perfect partner to Neymar, making both major forces in the competition. Furthermore, having won the tournament in 2019, he knows exactly what it takes to attain success.

Stats
- Brazil has managed to win ten and lost just a couple in its last 15 matches. Furthermore, it is on a five-game winning streak in the ongoing FIFA World Cup qualifiers, having tamed Bolivia, Peru, Venezuela and Uruguay.
- Brazil remained unbeaten in the 2019 edition to win the title, one of its rarest seasons.

Probable squad
Goalkeepers: Alisson, Ederson, Weverton
Defenders: Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Diego Carlos, Danilo, Felipe, Guilherme Arana, Alex Telles, Renan Lodi
Midfielders: Éverton Ribeiro, Everton Soares, Lucas Paquetá, Douglas Luiz, Bruno Guimarães, Allan, Arthur, Casemiro
Frowards: Neymar, Richarlison, Vinícius Júnior, Gabriel Jesus, Roberto Firmino, Thiago Galhardo

Chances and prediction
Brazil has been placed in Group B, which is collectively weaker, consisting of Venezuela, Columbia, Peru and Ecuador. Thus, besides being the chance to top the table, it is a favourite to reach the final at least, thanks to the player's full fitness and morale boost following domestic success.

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