One of the highlights of a major international tournament is discovering under-the-radar youngsters or unsung veterans. At the 2014 World Cup, Colombia midfielder James Rodriguez -- just 22 years old at the time -- elevated his global profile after impressing on the big stage. At the 2015 Copa America, longtime Chile defensive standout Gary Medel gained widespread acclaim after helping lead La Roja to the title.
Over the past month, the Copa America Centenario put a bright light on 16 teams, a handful of which made surprising runs to the knockout round and put their players in a prolonged spotlight alongside those from the tournament favorites.
Here's a look at five players -- a mix of young risers and unrenowned veterans -- who impressed at Copa America Centenario and, in the process, significantly raised their international profile.
John Brooks | Defender | United States | Hertha Berlin (Bundesliga) | 23
Following an impressive 2015-16 Bundesliga campaign that saw the Hertha Berlin center-back make major strides in terms of defensive positioning and decision-making, Brooks was the clear breakout star on the USMNT at Copa America. In addition to being dominant in the air and a steady presence clearing away dangerous balls in the box, he broke up opposing attacks via tackles and blocked shots. For U.S. fans, the highlight of Brooks single-handedly thwarting a 3-vs-1 attack against Paraguay will be a lasting memory.
At times Brooks looked like a man among boys, leaping above and through opponents to knock away in-balls (he won 80 percent of his aerial duels). He led the tournament in clearances (34, 11 more than second-place Nicolas Otamendi) and ranked first on the U.S. in touches and defensive touches while ranking second in interceptions, blocked shots and passing accuracy.
Though Brooks missed the third-place match versus Colombia due to a knee inflammation and wasn't at his best in the team's deflating semifinal loss to Argentina (the same can be said for most of the team), the 23-year-old's all-around effort throughout the tournament was incredibly impressive. Most importantly for Jurgen Klinsmann, Brooks' consistent top-level form cements his spot in central defense, where he has built a formidable partnership with veteran Geoff Cameron. Given his size (6-foot-4), athleticism, age and skills, it's not a surprise that several Premier League clubs, including Manchester City, are rumored to be eyeing Brooks.
Pedro Gallese | Goalkeeper | Peru | Veracruz (Liga MX) | 26
Peru, which came into the tournament as a long shot to advance out of a group that included Brazil and Ecuador, ended up winning Group B on the strength of its defense, which conceded just two goals in four matches. (La Blanquirroja lost in the quarterfinals to Colombia in a shootout following a 0-0 stalemate.) Gallese played a key role in Peru's run, showcasing his quick reflexes and coming up big on several occasions, including this sprawling, highlight-reel save against Brazil in the last group-stage match to secure advancement.
Of all goalies who played at least two matches (180 minutes) at Copa America, Gallese led the tournament in save percentage (88.2) and tied for second in clean sheets (3). Plus, he led all keepers in outperforming ESPN's expected goals metric (plus-1.28), allowing only two with an expected total of 3.28 (based on quality and location of shots). Gallese, who just turned 26 and earned his first cap less than two years ago, recently made the leap from Peru-based club team Juan Aurich to Veracruz of Liga MX, where he'll have a bigger stage to showcase his shot-stopping skills.
Daniel Torres | MF | Colombia | Independiente Medellin (Colombia) | 26
Torres, who made his senior national team debut just last November in a World Cup qualifier against Chile and had only a handful of caps coming into Copa America, played an unsung defensive midfield role for the third-place finishers. The Independiente Medellin captain was a rock in the middle, his nonstop motor and defensive acumen helping the team advance deep into the tournament.
Torres finished Copa America tied for second among all players in interceptions (14) and tied for eighth in both tackles (11, with an 85 percent success rate) and blocked shots (3). Moreover, he finished third on Colombia in defensive touches and tied for fourth in chances created -- all despite sitting out the team's last group-stage game against Costa Rica. And in addition to helping to preserve the third-place victory from a defensive standpoint, Torres completed 42 of 44 passes in the finale against the U.S.
The 26-year-old, who coming into Copa seemed thrilled just to make the roster, appears to have carved a permanent role in Jose Pekerman's lineup heading into World Cup qualifying this fall.
Alejandro Guerra | MF | Venezuela | Atletico Nacional (Colombia) | 30
It's not often that a 30-year-old with more than 50 caps who has played his entire professional career in South America "breaks out" at a major international tournament, but that's what Guerra did over past month for a gritty Venezuela side that was the surprise of Copa America as it advanced to the quarterfinals before falling to Argentina. The midfielder sparked Venezuela's attack, assisting on the winning goal against Jamaica and setting up the go-ahead tally against heavily favored Uruguay -- when, after seeing goalie Fernando Muslera way off his line, put a shot on target from about 30 yards out that forced a diving save and led to Salomon Rondon's put-back goal.
Guerra's two assists tied for third most at the tournament and he ranked eighth in chances created (10) among players who logged at least 180 minutes. He also ranked eighth among all players in ESPN's assists above average metric, outperforming his .9 expected-assist number by 1.1. Plus, Guerra led the team in touches, passes attempted, passes completed and successful take-ons while chipping in six interceptions. La Vinotinto's defense drove the team at Copa America, but Guerra helped manufacture the crucial goals to get them to the knockout round, putting in perhaps a career-best performance for Venezuela along the way.
Ever Banega | Midfielder | Argentina | Inter Milan (Serie A) | 27
Yes, the longtime Argentinian midfielder and 2008 Olympic gold medalist already has an impressive résumé -- he of Valencia and Sevilla acclaim, the latter of which he won man of the match with at the 2015 Europa final -- but on a national team loaded with stars, Banega truly became a household name during this tournament.
The 27-year-old stood out both in the attack and on defense, working tirelessly to regain possession, initiate build-up play and connect with attackers. His dribbling, passing and defensive skills were on full display throughout the tournament, and he provided a crucial attacking spark with Lionel Messi sidelined during the group stage, recording a goal and an assist in the team's opening victory over Chile.
Among those who played at least 180 minutes, Banega ranked second in the tournament in total touches (sixth on a per-90 basis), second in passes attempted (eighth per 90), second in passes completed (sixth per 90) and fourth in successful take-ons (18th per 90). Plus, his 12 tackles tied for sixth most at Copa America. Those skills will be on full display in Italy this coming club season, with Banega joining Inter Milan on a free transfer.
While Banega wasn't able to get redemption this year after missing his penalty shot in last year's Copa final shootout loss to Chile, he did everything in his power to put the team in position to win Copa America Centenario. And you can bet he will be a key piece in midfield for La Albiceleste at the 2018 World Cup after being overlooked for the 2014 squad.
Matt Draper is an editor with ESPN.com. Twitter: @matthew_draper.