south america best xi 2024

2 min read 23-11-2024

South American football consistently produces some of the world's most exciting and skillful players. Choosing a definitive "best XI" is always a hotly debated topic, filled with subjective opinions and difficult choices. This article attempts to assemble a potential South America's Best XI for 2024, considering current form, potential, and overall impact. This selection focuses on players currently excelling, acknowledging that emerging talents could easily shift the landscape in the coming months.

Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker (Brazil)

Alisson Becker remains a dominant force in goal. His consistent performances for Liverpool solidify his place as one of the world's best keepers. His commanding presence, shot-stopping ability, and distribution make him an invaluable asset.

Defenders:

Right-Back: Danilo (Brazil): A versatile defender capable of both attacking and defending effectively. His experience and consistency make him a key player for both club and country.
Center-Back: Nicolás Otamendi (Argentina): Otamendi's leadership and experience are undeniable. Although age is a factor, his aggressive style and tactical awareness remain vital assets.
Center-Back: Thiago Silva (Brazil): A veteran presence, Thiago Silva continues to defy expectations. His elegance, reading of the game, and leadership remain exceptional, despite his age.
Left-Back: Ángel Di María (Argentina): While technically a winger, Di María's defensive work rate and ability to contribute in the attack make him a strong choice at left-back in this formation.

Midfielders:

Central Midfielder: Casemiro (Brazil): Casemiro's defensive prowess and ability to dictate the tempo of the game are unmatched. His leadership and tactical intelligence are invaluable.
Central Midfielder: Rodrigo De Paul (Argentina): De Paul's tireless work rate, ability to win the ball, and creativity in midfield make him a vital player. His energy is infectious.
Attacking Midfielder: Lionel Messi (Argentina): An obvious choice. Messi's creativity, dribbling skills, and goalscoring ability make him arguably the best player in the world. His influence transcends statistics.

Forwards:

Right Wing: Neymar Jr. (Brazil): Neymar's skill, pace, and goalscoring ability are undeniable, even with injury concerns. His impact on a match can be electrifying.
Left Wing: Luis Díaz (Colombia): Díaz's pace, skill, and direct running style make him a constant threat. He’s known for his relentless attacking play and ability to change a game.
Striker: Lautaro Martínez (Argentina): Martinez's clinical finishing, ability to link up play, and hold up the ball make him an ideal striker for this team.

Substitutes & Honorable Mentions:

Many exceptional players just missed the cut. Players like Darwin Núñez (Uruguay), Richarlison (Brazil), and Alexis Sánchez (Chile) would make a formidable bench. The strength in depth across South America is truly remarkable.

Conclusion: A Fluid Formation

This South America's Best XI 2024 is a fluid concept. The actual formation could adapt based on the specific match and opponents. The key takeaway is the abundance of world-class talent across the continent. The future of South American football remains incredibly bright. This team represents a snapshot in time, and future iterations will undoubtedly include fresh faces. The competition for a spot in the lineup is fierce and only promises to intensify.