EPL Players at Copa America 2024 – Day 1
The opening game of Copa America 2024 is now in the rearview mirror, as holders Argentina took on Canada. As part of our EPLNews Copa America report, here is how Premier League players involved in the tournament performed.
Argentina 2-0 Canada
Tournament big-hitters Argentina beat Canada in the tournament opener in Atlanta, with goals from Manchester City attacker Julian Alvarez and Inter Milan main man Lautaro Martinez. It could have been worse for the Canadians, as Argentina only netted twice from an xG of 3.38.
There were seven Premier League players involved in the proceedings, all for Argentina. While the likes of Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez or Liverpool midfield maestro Alexis Mac Allister, among others, were in the starting XI, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni also turned to two EPL boys on the bench: Tottenham’s Giovani Lo Celso and Nottingham Forest’s Gonzalo Montiel.
Overall the Prem players gave a good account of themselves, with Mac Allister and Alvarez combining to give the Biancocelesti the lead just after half time, as City’s player netted the first goal of this year’s Copa America.
Alvarez also took home the Man of the Match award.
Ratings
Argentina: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa) – 7; Cristian Romero (Tottenham) – 7.5; Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United) – 7; Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool) – 8; Julian Alvarez (Manchester City) – 8; Giovani Lo Celso (Tottenham) – 6; Gonzalo Montiel (Nottingham Forest) – N/A
Canada: N/A