Copa America Group A top performers - Brazil dominate after five-star display

While hosts Brazil flattered to deceive their expectant home fans against the likes of Bolivia and Venezuela a thumping 5-0 win over Peru ensured they topped Group A with seven points and not a single goal conceded.

It’s Venezuela who are sure to join the Selecao in the knockout phase, while Peru will have to wait to see whether they go through as one of the two top performing third placed sides.

There’s no surprise, then, that Tite’s side dominate the Best XI from Group A, with the following the highest rated players on show…

5. Arthur (Brazil) - 7.58

With Fernandinho somewhat unexpectedly getting the nod in the opening match against Bolivia, an abject Brazil display ensured Arthur didn’t have to wait long for his chance. The Barcelona midfielder played the 90 minutes in matches against both Venezuela and Peru, making four tackles, completing five dribbles and winning a whopping 12 fouls, while completing 176 of 189 passes (93.1 per cent).

4. Casemiro (Brazil) - 7.59

Starting all three matches in the middle ground for the hosts, Casemiro’s reading of the game in front of the back four helped to keep three consecutive clean sheets. His positioning allowed him to cut out passes rather than be forced into tackles more often than not, making a group high of 11 interceptions, whilst scoring in the 5-0 win over Peru.

3. Everton (Brazil) - 7.68

He may not have earned the highest rating for his side, in no small part due to making two of three appearances from the bench, but Everton has perhaps emerged from the group stages with the most credit. The Gremio winger scored in victories over Bolivia and Peru - also registering an assist agains the latter - and despite playing just 117 minutes completed more dribbles than any other player (10).

2. Dani Alves (Brazil) - 7.74

Appointed captain ahead of what is likely to be his international swan song, Alves has proven that, at 36, there is still life in his illustrious career. The right-back scored in the 5-0 win over Peru in what was an excellent all round performance, winning four tackles, completing four dribbles and 95.5 per cent of his passes on the night.

1. Philippe Coutinho (Brazil) - 8.14

With Neymar sidelined the weight of expectation on Coutinho’s shoulders grew ahead of the tournament and while he made a frustrating start against Bolivia, the Barcelona man was the catalyst in victory after the break. The 27-year-old scored twice and went on to register an assist in the rout over Peru having created more chances in Group A than any other player (12). With totals of nine shots, five dribbles and eight tackles to boot, the playmaker will continue to be key to the hosts’ chances of success after a disappointing season at club level.