Several unknown players in the Premier League have managed to be named in the Copa America 2024 final squad.
The football schedule seems to be busy all year round this year. Summer 2024, which is typically a long season break for top-level competition, has been full of international matches, with not just one but three major tournaments held at almost the same time. EURO 2024 kicked off on June 14, followed by the Copa America on June 21. Interestingly, both end on the same date, July 14. Then, football in the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics will begin ten days later and end on August 10.
All players in the top-tier leagues shall hope to play in those major tournaments for their country, including those who are still unknown or on the reserve teams. Surprisingly, several such figures from the Copa America 2024 contestants receive a call-up for the final squad. Their experience at the top level, like the Premier League, is considered useful for their nation’s campaign in the tournament. Here are those who have been fortunate enough to have such an opportunity.
Jeremy Sarmiento (Ipswich Town
He is one of the more experienced players in international fixtures, despite his age. Sarmiento is still 22 years old but has been part of the Ecuador national team since 2021. He opted to switch allegiance to the CONMEBOL side, although he already earned caps with the England youth team due to his Ecuadorian roots from his parents. Copa America 2024 is his second major international tournament after the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he was already fielded in all three games despite only coming from the bench.
The left winger has been playing for Brighton since 2021 and made his debut in the Premier League. Yet, he was loaned out twice last season, to West Bromwich Albion and then to Ipswich Town. He helped the latter side return to the Premier League by playing 20 times in the championship, scoring three goals, and making two assists.
Sarmiento already bagged his first goal in this year’s Copa America in the opener against Venezuela. Sadly, they could not keep their lead and ended up losing 2-1. The former Benfica man has made 18 appearances in international games so far.
Luc de Fougerolles (Fulham)
He is an English-born Canadian international who already made his senior debut last March against Trinidad and Tobago. The 18-year-old centre back was part of The Cottagers’ first team squad last season but did not have the chance to hit the pitch yet in the Premier League. De Fougerolles did play in the fourth round of the EFL League Cup against Ipswich Town.
The versatile defender featured more in the Premier League 2 with the reserve team. He played in 11 games in the 2023–24 campaign, plus one game in the playoffs. Should he keep improving his form, he could get a nod in the starting XI next season or even play regularly for the first team. De Fougerelles’ consistent form could help boost the demand for Fulham tickets in the future.
Julio Enciso (Brighton)
The Paraguayan international is one of the new players in the Brighton squad under Roberto De Zerbi. He joined the Seagulls in 2022 and has already made 24 appearances with four goals and two assists in the Premier League. Two of his goals were scored in a crucial game when they defeated Manchester United 3-0 and held Manchester City in a 1-1 draw.
Unfortunately, last season he suffered a serious injury, which forced him to sit out for a few months. Enciso only featured in 12 matches and registered two assists in the 2023–24 campaign. The former Libertad player luckily recovered before the season ended and made the cut for the Copa America 2024 squad. The 20-year-old midfielder has been capped 14 times and contributed one assist for Paraguay. He made his senior debut in the Copa America 2021 versus Bolivia.
Tom McGill (Brighton)
Enciso’s teammate is also included in the Copa America 2024 squad. McGill is the reserve goalkeeper for Brighton and has been with the team since 2018. Yet, he has not made his debut in the top flight.
The 24-year-old goalie has been loaned out several times to lower-tier teams such as Worthing, Greenwich Borough, and Crawley Town. He was even called up for the England U17 team in 2017 before switching sides to Canada in 2023. This year’s Copa America is his first major international tournament. Last season, McGill only appeared in 10 games, mostly in the EFL Trophy plus Premier League 2 with the reserve team.
Jhon Duran (Aston Villa)
The 20-year-old striker is one of the most promising talents in Colombia today. He has been playing for Aston Villa for the past two seasons. He even made 37 appearances in all competitions under Unai Emery last season, including 10 matches in the UEFA Conference League, and registered eight goals. Duran netted some of them in the big games; one was a 4-0 win over Ajax Amsterdam and a brace while sharing spoils with Liverpool in a thrilling encounter.
David Munoz (Crystal Palace)
The 27-year-old right back is another unknown talent in the EPL who cut the Copa America 2024 squad. He just joined Palace in January but immediately made an impact on the team. The former Genk man already provided four assists in the Premier League, two of which were registered when they dismantled Manchester United 4-0.
Munoz has earned 27 caps and netted once. He made his debut in 2021 and was already included in the Copa America 2021 final squad. This year’s edition is his second major international tournament.
Joao Gomes (Wolverhampton)
The former Flamengo man is tipped as the new key player on the Brazil national team. He made his senior debut last March in a narrow 1-0 win over England at Wembley. Since then, Gomes has made four appearances with Selecao.
His call-up might have been considered a surprise. He only played for the non-elite side Wolverhampton, which signed him in 2023. The defensive midfielder soon became the mainstay in Molineux. Last season, he featured in 38 games in all competitions, contributing two goals and one assist. He bagged a brace in a 2-1 win over Tottenham on the road.
