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 Javier Hernandez in the top 25?
Once upon a time, "Chicharito" Hernandez's career appeared to be sliding toward oblivion. A futile loan stint at Real Madrid, which happened only because he was no longer in the plans at Manchester United, had the Mexican striker without a clear path to redemption. But his move to Bayer Leverkusen has once again allowed Hernandez to show off the clever runs and fantastic finishing that turned him into a target of Manchester United in the first place. That knack for finishing -- with either foot or his head -- makes the Mexican a remarkable player.
What the experts say about Hernandez:
"There are not many like him. He's unique in the way he plays. He's a special kind of player, whose qualities might not extremely stand out, but who has the gift to make the right moves, especially when it comes to scoring goals." - Bayer Leverkusen manager Roger Schmidt.
"Already when he was Manchester United and Real Madrid, I always thought that he has the quality to be a finisher. There are several good goal getters who can score great goals, and he belongs to the top category in the world. He is a predator in front of the goal. I never doubted him, but you have to achieve [a scoring rate] in such a strong league. It's fantastic, I hope can continue his run, also for the national team." - Mexico head coach Juan Carlos Osorio.
Career highlight:
Hernandez's most accomplished campaign came in his first year in Manchester, when he contributed 13 goals towards a Premier League title and scored several crucial goals in a run to the Champions League final (where United lost to Barcelona). Hernandez scored 20 goals in all competitions that season.
Stat of the season:
Chicharito had his best season in Europe with 26 goals in all competitions for Bayer Leverkusen.
What next for Hernandez after the Copa America Centenario?
It's very quiet on the transfer front for Chicharito, a pleasant change after the past few seasons. Hernandez would do well to stay at Bayer Leverkusen, where he is clearly comfortable and scoring goals again.
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