• The 2015 Copa America starts on Thursday night
• Lionel Messi, Neymar and Alexis Sanchez will all be competing for crown
• Luis Suarez will miss the South American tournament due to suspension 
• Copa America 2015 preview: Brazil and Argentina favourites to win

By

Anthony Hay for MailOnline

Published:
10:23 GMT, 11 June 2015

|
Updated:
13:03 GMT, 11 June 2015

Some of the world’s best players will be competing for the Copa America crown over the next four weeks with the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Alexis Sanchez all featuring in the prestigious tournament.

Uruguay international Luis Suarez misses out due to suspension, however there are plenty of big names to make up for his absence.

Here, Sportsmail picks a Copa America XI made up of stars who will be in action for their country.

4-3-3 

GOALKEEPER: CLAUDIO BRAVO (CHILE)

The Chile stopper sealed a move to Barcelona on the back of several impressive displays for his country during the 2014 World Cup.

Bravo’s first season at the Nou Camp was one to remember as Barcelona won the Treble. The 32-year-old Bravo will be hoping to add to his medal collection when he lines up for hosts Chile.

Barcelona goalkeeper Claudio Bravo will be hoping to lead his side to their first ever Copa America title 

RIGHT BACK: PABLO ZABALETA (ARGENTINA) 

The Manchester City defender is one of the most consistent full backs in world football having played at a high level for both club and country over the years.

Zabaleta and his Argentina team-mates will be out to win their 15th Copa America after finishing as runners-up at the 2014 World Cup.

Manchester City right back Pablo Zabaleta (pictured with Angel di Maria) is gearing up for the Copa America

CENTRE BACK: DIEGO GODIN (URUGUAY)

Atletico Madrid centre back Godin has been linked with a move to the Barclays Premier League over the last few seasons after impressing for his club in the Champions League and La Liga.

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal will be keeping a close eye on the defender as the Dutchman is said to be interested in bringing the 29-year-old to England.

Uruguay and Atletico Madrid centre back Diego Godin (left) is said to be attracting interest from Man United

CENTRE BACK: THIAGO SILVA (BRAZIL) 

Silva will be tasked with holding his country’s back four together in order to allow the likes of Neymar, Philippe Coutinho and Willian to strut their stuff in attack.

He is expected to partner either Miranda or PSG team-mate David Luiz at the heart of Brazil’s defence.

Thiago Silva barks out instructions to his team-mates during a training session ahead of the Copa America

LEFT BACK: ALVARO PEREIRA (URUGUAY)

This selection was a hard one. Marcos Rojo and Filipe Luis were both under consideration but Uruguay left back Pereira gets the nod after he impressed at last year’s World Cup. And we could be getting a closer glimpse of him after the Copa as he has been linked with a move to Leeds.

Alvaro Pereira (pictured with Edinson Cavani) will be hoping to replicate the form he showed at the World Cup

MIDFIELD: JAVIER MASCHERANO (ARGENTINA)

Mascherano is another player who will be hoping to cap off a fine season with Barcelona by winning the Copa America.

The former Liverpool man has managed to fill the gigantic void left by Barcelona legend Carles Puyol in defence but will revert to his orthodox defensive midfield role in Chile.

Javier Mascherano (centre) will play ahead of Argentina’s back line during the upcoming Copa America

MIDFIELD: ARTURO VIDAL (CHILE)

Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal is one of those players who you simply hate to play against.

He will add bite to Chile’s midfield and will be in the side to lay on assists for Alexis Sanchez, Eduardo Vargas and Co.

Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal will be hoping to get over his side’s Champions League final defeat 

MIDFIELD: JAMES RODRIGUEZ (COLOMBIA)

Real Madrid forked out £63million for James Rodriguez and sold Angel di Maria last summer after the Colombia international was named the best player at the 2014 World Cup.

Rodriguez will again be hoping to overshadow the likes of Messi, Neymar and Sanchez.

James Rodriguez sealed a £63million move to Real Madrid after impressing at the World Cup with Colombia

FORWARD: ALEXIS SANCHEZ (CHILE) 

 Sanchez took the Premier League by storm during his first campaign in England with 25 goals in 52 games for Arsenal.

Sanchez will have to be at his best if Chile are to win.

Arsenal and Chile forward Alexis Sanchez (left) shares a joke with his international team-mates

FORWARD: NEYMAR (BRAZIL)

Neymar played a significant role in Barcelona’s Treble-winning season by forming a formidable triumvirate with Messi and Suarez. 

An injury cut short his World Cup so he will be desperate to make up for lost time. 

Brazil forward Neymar will lead his country’s attacking line as they aim to win their ninth Copa America 

FORWARD: LIONEL MESSI (ARGENTINA) 

Lionel Messi scored 58 goals in 60 games over the course of last season. I think that’s all what needs to be said.

Argentina’s hopes of winning the Copa America rest with Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi

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