It doesn't matter what country you are. If you are able to beat both Argentina and Uruguay in World Cup qualifying, you are a team to be reckoned with. If you had to take a guess on which country that was, many wouldn't guess Ecuador. They fly under the radar and have so far this year but this summer's Copa America Centenario could be a breakout party for them on the national stage.
Great players helping in good start to 2016
Ecuador has gotten off to a great start in 2016 in terms of international play. They are second in CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying and have already taken down the likes of Argentina and Uruguay, the first and third teams in the group. It has been a fantastic start for a team that didn't make it out of the group stage in last year's Copa America.
The key danger men for Ecuador are the Valencia brothers. Both play in the Barclays Premier League and have big roles on their respective teams. Enner Valencia has slotted in nicely at West Ham, playing in a winger/striker role. He scored four goals for the Hammers this season but suffered a knee injury early on in the season that hampered his campaign. Luckily for him, it was not a serious injury and he didn't need surgery.
While Enner ended his season on a bright note, the same couldn't be said about his brother Antonio Valencia. He is a versatile player, as Manchester United can use him at right-back or on the right wing. He only made 12 appearances for the Red Devils this season as his spot in the squad was taken by Matteo Darmian at the fullback position and Jesse Lingard on the right wing. He fell out of favor with Louis Van Gaal but he started the FA Cup Final which ended his season on a positive note. It may have been his last game at Man United. With Jose Mourinho coming in, Valencia may be on his way out of Old Trafford as Manchester United continue to shuffle out players that were key starters in the Alex Ferguson era. Valencia, along with the likes of Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick, Chris Smalling, and David De Gea are the only players that are left from that era and the clock is running out.
Ecuador also boasts the likes of Jefferson Montero, who plays on the wings at Swansea City, and Juan Carlos Paredes from Watford. A group of four players that ply their trade in England to compliment a solid squad of domestic players.
Sky is the limit in Copa America 2016
Ecuador is slotted in Group B with Brazil, Peru, and Haiti. There is a good chance that they could end up first in their group. Brazil recently announced that Douglas Costa will be out from the tournament with a leg injury. It's a big blow for them to lose the Bayern Munich winger and it hampers a team that is already missing Neymar.
Ecuador is better than both Peru and Haiti and should be expected to finish above them. The game against Brazil will be the decider for the top of the group and if Ecuador can finish first, they have a good shot in the knockout rounds.
If there ever was a time for an underdog to steal the tournament, the time is now. Brazil and Uruguay are missing their best players in Neymar and Luis Suarez. Argentina still has their problems and Lionel Messi's injury problems could be troubling as well.
Ecuador has gotten off to a great start in 2016 so far, can they continue it in Copa America 2016?