by Lee Hurley

David Ospina has been praising Falcao ahead of Colombia’s Copa America opener against Venezuela.

“He’s a leader on and off the pitch, as well as a great person,” the Arsenal man said of the Manchester United flop. “It shows that despite what happened at Manchester united, he has been positive and trained the most.

“We know we have the best forward.”

In a competition that includes Messi, Aguero, Neymar and Cavani, that’s quite the claim and not one I think any of us will agree with, at least not based on the season Falcao had in the Premier League, but I guess Dave is obligated to praise him compatriot above all others.

Colombia get their tournament underway on Sunday at 8pm (UK time) and Ospina will no doubt be hopeful of emulating Chile’s opening day 2-0 win over Ecuador.

“They have been rising and are hungry to get things,” Ospina said about Venezua. “We have to stay focused to achieve a favourable result.

“These are experienced players, both teams want to win.

“We know they have important players, with a good midfield and are strong in quiet ball [?].

“But we have to look at our work, seize the opportunity and continue to believe in ourselves.”