The world hopes for a specific team to win a major trophy, but there is always big anticipation over which player takes home the other big one – the Golden Ball.

South America is filled with a plethora of star players but only one will win the MVP award. In a Copa America where the results were as unpredictable as they come, the star performances were equally captivating and emblematic. Here is a look at the top players in the opening round of the Copa America.

Arturo Vidal – Chile

This is a tough one to mention but why not get it out of the way. Vidal’s behavior should have been sanctioned, but the fact that it wasn’t is proof of how crucial a player he is for Chile. He leads the tournament with three goals and one assist. He has fewer shots per game than Alexis Sanchez, showing how efficient he has been at creating chances for his nation. His third game against Bolivia was a muted affair, but he came up huge for the nation in the opening games, which were far tenser.

Willian – Brazil

Neymar would have this slot without any doubt if not for his antics, but the man who has also had a solid tournament thus far has been Willian. The Chelsea attacker has been superb at creating space on the wings and constantly makes intelligent passes to retain possession for his nation.

He had a horrid game against Colombia, but the reality is that no one wearing Brazil’s crest could make a claim to having a good game in the match against Los Cafeteros.

He was solid against Peru but his real magic was on display against Venezuela as he linked up sublimely alongside Robinho and became the team’s centerpiece in attack. No longer playing a supporting role to Neymar, Willian took the offensive responsibilities with poise and dominated, creating Roberto Firminho’s winner with flash and intelligence.

Sergio Aguero - Argentina

Prior to the 2014 World Cup, Aguero stated that he could win the Golden Boot of the tournament. He did not score a goal in Brazil.

This year he did not talk about winning any individual awards; he leads Argentina with two goals, including a winner against Uruguay.

The Manchester City forward has two goals and is averaging just over 4.5 shots per game, third best in the tournament. Messi has over 5.7 shots per game, showing that he is the most dominant player at creating scoring chances, but the Argentina superstar has only scored from the penalty spot thus far and has shown an overall lack of attacking efficiency that Aguero has not.

Aguero missed out against Jamaica due to injury but he is slated to make a return on Friday against Colombia in a crucial match. If he continues in his current form, he should continue scoring big goals for his nation.

Other considerations

Chile has a plethora of options including Alexis Sanchez who despite his lone goal has been great at creating chances for Chile.

Charles Aranguiz has two goals and one assist for Chile and has been a vital cog in the team’s attack.

Messi will always be in the conversation regardless of his lengthy absences in big games. His name alone makes him a candidate.

Colombia has had a wobbly tournament, but defender Jeison Murrillo has been a huge so far, looking like a great replacement for Mario Yepes at the back and contributing the only goal Los Cafeteros have scored in Chile.

Thiago Silva has been excellent for Brazil in his appearances while Dani Alves has looked like the dominant force that helped Barcelona to a treble this past season.