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 Arturo Vidal in the top 25?
Vidal's do-everything talents earned him a move from one European giant to another when he left Italian champion Juventus for German champion Bayern Munich. With Juve, Vidal played a box-to-box role in four Serie A seasons, in addition to helping the club to their first European final since 2003. Bayern Munich's decision to buy Vidal spoke to Pep Guardiola's belief that the Chilean midfielder could handle the work and passing necessitated by the Spanish manager's possession-based attack. Vidal's ability to contribute at world class levels both defensively and in attack place him in an exclusive club of all-round players.
What the experts say about Vidal
"There are no doubts over Vidal's quality. He knows how to make late runs, but he is also intelligent, gritty and always shows desire. I'm happy with his play. When we have many great players in the offensive department, I have to limit it slightly. He can easily do the work in front of the defence because he is a tough and smart guy." -- Former Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola.
"There's only one Messi. He's unique. But we can say that Vidal is the Messi of midfielders. There are few like him: he is flexible, lethal, an expert in stealing the ball." - Former Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli.
Career highlight
Vidal was the heart and soul of the 2015 Copa America-winning Chile side, willing his team to victories with his desire and energy. He led the team in scoring through the group stage and was all over the field in the final against Argentina.
Stat of the season
Vidal averaged 67.8 passes per game for Bayern Munich in the league in 2016, more than 27 more than his 2015 average with Juventus.
What next for Vidal after the Copa America Centenario?
Barring Guardiola making a surprise offer for Vidal that Bayern simply cannot refuse (or Chelsea doing the same -- like Guardiola, Antonio Conte knows Vidal well from his time at Juve), the Chilean will be back in Germany post-Copa getting ready for a new European season.
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