Welcome to #CopaRank, a weeklong look at the top 25 players we expect to see at the Copa America Centenario. Over 50 ESPN FC experts and writers from around the globe voted, and we're rolling out the results right up to opening day, U.S. vs. Colombia, on Friday.
Why is Gonzalo Higuain in the top 25?
Higuain is one of Europe's best goal scorers, full stop. He averaged more than a goal a game in Serie A this season, scoring 36 times in 35 appearances for Napoli. An elite finisher with as sharp an eye for goal as any in the world, Higuain is able to score in a variety of ways, putting him in a very small group that includes just a handful of the world's top players. When not scoring, Higuain is excellent at hold-up play, controlling possession and bringing teammates into the attack by laying the ball off. He can handle combination play and has a strong shot from distance.
What the experts say about Higuain:
"He's not only the best striker in the world but a man with genuine feelings. Gonzalo can be a bit sensitive, and it shows, but it's enough to touch the right chord. A champion of his ability sometimes just needs to feel close to those around him."-- Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri
"In the last 16-20 metres, Higuain is deadly -- a unique striker who knows how to come from every direction and sees the goal as well as anyone. He knows how to attack the front and the back post with the same quality; he makes ghastly figures of his markers; he's very strong athletically, intelligent in conversation with his teammates and then scores repeatedly." -- Former Juventus striker and current Italian football pundit Fabrizio Ravanelli
Career highlight:
While Higuain is burning up Serie A with his gaudy goal totals with Napoli, his most accomplished season came back in 2011-12 when he helped Real Madrid win La Liga -- the club's most recent domestic title. Higuain scored 22 goals that season in 18 appearances, 17 of them of the substitute variety.
Stat of the season:
Higuain's 36 league goals was the second-best domestic total in Europe to Luis Suarez's 40.
What next for Higuain after the Copa America Centenario?
Higuain has already been linked to Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal, with the United rumors picking up extra steam thanks to Jose Mourinho's appointment at Old Trafford. Napoli wants to keep him, however, and could increase his wages dramatically in order to do so.
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