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Copa America Centenario: Player Power Rankings

Reuters

The best players from the Western Hemisphere will soon converge in the United States to do battle in the Copa America Centenario on the 100th anniversary of South America's premier international tournament.

Though a number of players of considerable talent are missing from the rosters of the 16 competing countries, this Copa America still boasts plenty of high-quality footballers.

Related - Absentee XI: Best players not at the Copa America

Here's who we rank among the best players in the Copa America:

10. Edinson Cavani (URU)

Edinson Cavani is one of those pesky forwards that defenders hate to play against, and for good reason. The Paris Saint-Germain forward scores goals, provides assists, and is a constant nuisance in and around the box for Uruguay.

9. Javier Hernandez (MEX)

Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez enjoyed a blistering season with Bayer Leverkusen and will hope his club form carries over to the international stage as he leads the attacking line for Mexico.

8. James Rodriguez (COL)

One of the most recognizable players in the world, Colombia star James Rodriguez hasn't enjoyed the best of seasons with Real Madrid, but a solid showing of his considerable talents this summer could afford him another chance at a consistent starting role under Zinedine Zidane.

7. Diego Godin (URU)

Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin is, perhaps, the finest central defender in the world at the moment. His consistency and physical presence, coupled with his ability to read the game, make him one of Uruguay's most important pieces for this summer's affair.

6. Alexis Sanchez (CHI)

Alexis Sanchez enjoyed a strong Premier League campaign with Arsenal, helping the Gunners to a second-place finish in the 2015-16 season. He'll be looking to defend the Copa America title with Chile, having only won the crown one year ago.

5. Arturo Vidal (CHI)

Arturo Vidal commands something of a bad boy image in his native Chile but the Bayern Munich man remains one of the finest midfielders in the world. When he's not avoiding trial for getting caught driving drunk and crashing cars, you can find Vidal tackling, intercepting, and chasing down opposition strikers on the field.

4. Angel Di Maria (ARG)

Angel Di Maria endured a rough 2014-15 season with Manchester United, but has found himself once more with PSG. His club form makes him a natural choice to start for Argentina and his talented feet make him a tricky customer for opposition defenders, too.

3. Sergio Aguero (ARG)

Sergio Aguero is the impetus behind Manchester City's strike force and the diminutive Argentine has all the skills needed to be a top centre forward in the modern game; his shooting, vision, speed, and physicality make him a tough man to mark.

2. Luis Suarez (URU)

Perhaps the best striker in the world, Luis Suarez formed one-third of Barcelona's La Liga-winning attack this season. He's also a changed man. The Suarez of yesteryear had no problems taking a bite out of his opposition; now, he's shown humility and a no-nonsense approach to his football. It's paid off tremendously.

1. Lionel Messi (ARG)

Lionel Messi is, to put it simply, the best player in the world. Sure, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar also have a claim to that throne, but as long as Messi does what he does, he won't be usurped any time soon.

Messi comes into the Copa America with a dream of delivering Argentina's first trophy in the 21st century. He came awfully close in the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2015 Copa America. This 100th-anniversary special provides him another chance at capturing elusive international glory.

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