MLS: 5 stars who could shine at Copa America

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SEATTLE, WA – APRIL 06: Seattle Sounders midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro (10) scores a goal during the MLS regular season match between Real Salt Lake and Seattle Sounders on April 06, 2019, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, WA. (Photo by Joseph Weiser/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

The Copa America starts on Friday. There are several MLS stars who could shine in South America’s major international tournament. Here are five candidates.

Along with the CONCACAF Gold Cup, the Copa America is taking place this summer, as the best that South America has to offer will put it all on the line to become the best team in the CONMEBOL region.

The ten CONEMBOL nations, along with two invited teams, Qatar and Japan, will battle it out to lift the Copa America trophy on July 7. And there is plenty of Major League Soccer interest in the tournament with 12 players in total called up to different squads. But of these 12, which could truly?

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Well, here is a look at five key players that could help their team to glory in this summer’s Copa America.

ATLANTA, GA JUNE 01: Atlanta’s Josef Martinez (7) strikes a pose after scoring a first half goal during the MLS match between the Chicago Fire and Atlanta United FC on June 1st, 2019 at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Josef Martinez – Venezuela & Atlanta United

Let’s start with last year’s MVP, Golden Boot winner and the new single-season record goalscorer. He also won the MLS Cup with Atlanta United in 2018 as well, and he was MVP in the MLS Cup Final, as well as the All-Star Game MVP as well. Josef Martinez.

Last year, everything that Martinez touched turned to gold. He became the most decorated single-season player in MLS history. He currently has 60 goals in just 69 league games for the Five Stripes and has been one of the most influential foreign signings in recent MLS history.

On the international stage, he is yet to hit the same heights. Martinez has 11 goals in 46 appearances for Venezuela, but only one in his last ten. However, alongside Newcastle United’s Salomon Rondon, the pair could be potent in this Copa America.

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