Davinson exclusive from Copa America: 'This is just the start!'

With three wins from three, Davinson Sanchez’s Colombia have topped their group at the Copa America - but the defender has warned that his nation is only just getting started.

Taking maximum points from their games against Argentina, Qatar and Paraguay, Los Cafeteros have had a storming start to the tournament and are the only side to still have a 100 per cent record.

Furthermore, with the help of Davinson at the heart of their defence, they are yet to concede a goal in the competition.

But, despite the bright start, our 23-year-old centre-back believes there is still more to come from his side as the competition heads towards the knockout stages, where a tough quarter-final date with reigning champions Chile awaits.

“Right now, we have three wins. It has been difficult, to not concede a goal, to be compact, but we have to fight. This is just the start!” our number six proclaimed.

“It’s always important to finish at the top of the group but I think in football, you can’t stop there.

“We have to keep looking forward because we have a big game coming up against Chile, who are the holders.”

Colombia began their journey with an unenviable challenge as they faced 14-time Copa America winners Argentina in their opening game on 15 June. Davinson’s country hadn’t recorded a victory over La Albiceleste in 12 years but they made an historic start to proceedings in Brazil as two late goals from Roger Martinez and Duvan Zapata at the Fonte Nova Arena gave them a 2-0 win.

Our centre-back believes that statement victory has been a catalyst for his side’s subsequent performances, which have seen them dispatch Qatar and Paraguay, both 1-0. Davinson played 90 minutes in the first two matches but was rested against Paraguay on Sunday with qualification already in the bag.

“The feeling was so good (after the first game)," he admitted. "We had spent too many years trying to beat a big national team like Argentina.

“Obviously they have (Lionel) Messi, one of the best players in the history of the game and anyway, they are Argentina – they are a team that always have a chance to win the trophy in any competition they are in. But we did well, we did our jobs, played well and made sure we got the win.”

Spurs team-mate Juan Foyth was on the bench for Argentina that night and Davinson believes there is a lot more to come from the young defender after his side also progressed to the final eight by virtue of a 2-0 victory over Qatar on Sunday night, in which Juan made his first ever appearance at a major international tournament.

“I talked a bit with Juan after our game," Davinson said. "He’s still young but he’s an amazing talent. He could be a star in this competition. We’ll see.

“He trains well, he is a great person, a good guy. He deserves so much because he has worked so hard to be in these moments.”

Colombia face Chile at midnight (UK time) on Saturday.