Mexican National Team Ideal Starting 11

As we approach an epic run of national soccer games with Copa America, World Cup Qualifiers, Olympics and more I wanted to write a quick post on who the ideal starting 11 for the Mexican National team is.

When discussing a starting 11 we must first briefly touch upon a base formation for the Tricolor. Mexico’s newly anointed manager Juan Carlos Osorio likes to play with a 4–3–3. While I believe that the best of coaches adapt their formation and schemes to players available and opponent match-ups, the 4–3–3 formation just so happens to be Mexico’s best formation.

The squad is built for players that fit perfectly into in this scheme. We lack a world class #2 striker but have several world class winger/flank-forwards that excel at attacking from lateral positions. Whether it be diving down the flank to cross or cutting inside to create shot on goal opportunities for themselves, Mexico has the talent to fit perfectly into hybrid 4–3–3 or what some consider a 4–1–2–2–1 lineup.

These formations are becoming more and more common as teams try to take advantage of 1 vs 1 match-ups at the attacking flanks. We see teams like Real Madrid that utilize this formation Ronaldo(Flank-Forward) — Benzema(Striker) — Bale(Flank-Forward) very effectively.

The Lineup:

Positional Battles

Center Forward / Striker

Chicharito: Is there a more recognizable figure for Mexican soccer than Chicharito? Chicharito has been on fire over the past few months netting goals left and right. Look at the following statistics from just a few weeks ago:

Simply put, Chicharito is the easy choice. He will likely become Mexico’s all time leading goal scorer by mid-year at the prime age of 27. Chicharito has many flaws in his game but there is no denying his eye for goal and for that he is my top choice.

Other options:

• Carlos Vela: Vela is a supremely talented player but is not as natural a striker and goal scorer as Chicharito.
• Raul Jimenez: Jimenez is an underrated player in the Mexican soccer scene. His recent european transfer may help bring more attention to his game. Jimenez however is not as skilled of a finisher and thrives best as a 2nd forward.
• Oribe Peralta: Peralta is as solid as they come. Age is sure to begin to catch up to him but he is still a top forward in the Mexican league. “El Horrible” has always shown up for Mexico and another trip to the Olympics may be in store.
• Giovanni Dos Santos: It’s hard to know what to make of Giovanni at this point in his career. His move to MLS and lack of playing time do not bode well. The talent is undeniable but he is better suited for a flank-forward position coming on from the edge.

Left Forward / Left Winger

Carlos Vela: This was a very difficult choice for me to make. I really like Jimenez at this position with his size, pace and dynamic play but I had to go with raw talent on this one. Carlos Vela is a world class talent held back by a lack of motivation. When in form he is a top 10 La Liga player and sometimes top 5. Unfortunately that happens only once every couple of years. Most recently he was caught skipping practice to watch a Chris Brown concert. He is in good enough form however for me to make a play on his natural talent and give him a chance to prove what he can do from the left flank.

Can’t wait to see some of Vela’s signature left footed chips on goal:

Other options:

• Raul Jimenez: Jimenez would be a great option here. His size, pace and dynamic play would pair really well with Chicharito up top and closing crosses coming from the opposite flank. I am hoping Jimenez gets his chances to showcase what he can do and an opportunity to beat other players for this spot in the coming months.
• Giovanni Dos Santos: He prefers to play from the right but I think he is best suited for the left. He no longer gets deep enough on the right flank to cut in for his left footed shots like he used to. On the left he can use his speed for valuable crosses up to Chicharito. Hoping he recovers form and becomes a viable options here.
• Tecatito: Tecatito will likely be a top 3 Mexican player moving forward and is likely better than anyone else at this position. On a Mexican team with strong attacking lefties his spot is on the right flank to balance out the attack.
• Hirving Lozano: He is still young at barely 20 years of age. I have high expectations for this player. Give him a year and a possible european transfer and he will be nipping at the heels of the above footballers.
• Orbelin Pineda: Quite possibly my favorite Mexican soccer player at the moment. He is only 19 and already has led a depleted Queretaro side to a Mexican Soccer Final and prompted superpower Chivas to fork over 6M for his services. Pineda’s value comes from his versatility. I have seen him play forward, attacking central midfielder, right winger, left winger, and now center midfielder for a Chivas squad. He has impressed at all positions equally.

Right Forward / Right Winger

Tecatito: The talent to be a world-class player is there. You will not see a more light footed and dynamic player anywhere. He is a player capable of changing the face of a game in just one play that leaves you astonished. He is selfish at times and relies on world-class dribbling technique when he could pass. His passing vision is superb and I would like to see him look to pass a bit more when in attacking positions. Just recently turned 23 and already playing in Champion league games with Porto, it’s possible we see him starting in a top 8 european side in a couple of years. A player like Tecatito that can get by any defender on a 1 vs 1 with ease is crucial for a team like Mexico that often struggles against bunkers and highly defensive teams. Tecatito simply needs to be starting for El Tri, I don’t care what position, if not then I lose all faith in Osorio as talent evaluator.

Other options:

• Giovanni Dos Santos: Has international level experience playing at this position. You can do worse, he comes through in big games.
• Hirving Lozano: I considered putting Lozano above Giovanni here. I have to still see a bit more from Lozano against top flight competition to put him above Giovanni. Unfortunately, I think we will see Lozano head to the Olympics and won’t be able to see him against top flight competition for a little longer.
• Javier Aquino: Supremely underrated player for the Mexican side. It is unfortunate that he plays at a position that is stacked for the Mexican team. He is by far the best defender of the group (Pineda is close). His international experience, daring attacking game, ball recovery, defending and world-class fitness/endurance makes for a very complete player.
• Orbelin Pineda: Again, I am very bullish on Pineda. He would be extremely dangerous from this position if released from defensive responsibilities.
• Jurgen Damn: I am not as high on Damn as most other experts. He has all the tools but I have yet to see him really impress me. He disappears for large stretches of the game similar to Giovanni. He is 23 and still has time to add more to his game, time will tell. His natural talent and youth keeps him in the radar for this position.

Left Center MidFielder

Andres Guardado: Undisputed Mexican national team captain. A natural leader on the pitch and a player that always seems to be at his best in the big moments. 22 goals for the national team for “El Principito” many of those coming at big international tournaments. He will go down as a generational player despite his ups and downs and brings a tenacity that you would not expect from such a diminutive frame. Lockeroom leader, cult hero and best player on champions league contender PSV Eindhoiven. He is playing the best football of his life. His ball recovery in the midfield, world-class fitness, long distance shot and ball control make him a very complete player and key component for the Mexican side.

Other options

• Orbelin Pineda: Orbelin will challenge for a midfield role in the coming years. I expect many to disagree with me and say this is premature but I already feel he is above the rest of the competition. If not for the formidable duo of Guardado and Herrera, he would be my starter at one of the midfield positions even at only 19 years of age.
• Johnathan Dos Santos: Dos santos would be a great fit at this position. He has an underrated long distance shot, ball control/recovery and pace. He is still only 25 and will be entering his prime in the next couple of years.
• Giovani Dos Santos: The other Dos Santos could play well here in an attacking situation when playing from behind. His defense and fitness would not do well against stout midfield opponents.
• Rodolfo Pizarro: Just turned 22 in February of this year and is one of Pachuca’s young trio of stars. He provides lots of flexibility positionally and is a very complete player. Still needs a bit of improvement to compete for a national team starting spot. I would like to see a move to Europe to see if he can play with higher level competition.
• Marco Fabian: Have not watched enough of Fabian since his move to Europe to evaluate but he always seems like a flawed player sprinkled with a few exceptional talents. His long range shot on goal is a thing of beauty to behold and likely the best of any National level Mexican player. His passing vision is superb as well. Unfortunately his fitness, defensive abilities, pace and lifestyle hold him back. He disappears for long stretches all too often and I would rather give younger players opportunities on the National team. He is still only 26 and could raise his game now that he is in Europe, the talent is there. I hope he proves me wrong.

Right Center Midfielder

Hector Herrera: A unique talent that is not often seen on a Mexican squad. A Mexican side littered with small framed possession oriented players benefits from having a large physical and aggressive player like Herrera in its ranks. Herrera is Mexico’s most creative and dynamic midfielder. His physical play and hard working style also make him an above average defender. 2 years ago it seemed like he was primed for a top 8 european club and was the undisputed best player and leader of a champion league Porto side. Over the past year his form has dipped tremendously even losing his starting spot for a few games with Porto. He seems to be coming back into his own recently and is once again a sure starter on the Porto squad. Although he is physically gifted, I suspect he has had some nutritional or workload problems over the past year. His work rate on the field is tremendous but over the past year he seemed to gas out mid-game and his play suffered. Even at half strength he is a likely starter for a Mexican team in need of someone with his pace, creativity and physicality in the midfield. When in top form he is considered by many as the top Mexican player on the planet.

Other options:

• Orbelin Pineda: Pineda has the potential to be a generational player. He is young, given time he will push our top international players for a world cup spot.
• Javier Aquino: Aquino is normally used as a flank player but I see him as a great option as a more central player as well. Similar to what past Mexican managers did with players like ‘Efrain Juarez’. Mexico is such a possession oriented team that someone with the fitness/endurance, ball recovery and 1vs1 ability of Aquino could make a difference in the final third.
• Johnathan Dos Santos: Mexican managers always overlook this player for some reason. He would be a fine choice at this position. I see his best fit as a more defensive mid but would not mind letting lose at this position as well. His long-range shot would be a valuable weapon against bunkering opponents.
• Giovani Dos Santos: Solid option when playing from behind. Supremely talented offensively but lacks the requisite defensive skill to play this position when playing ahead or in a tie game situation.
• Rodolfo Pizarro: Similar to the previous position. His versatility allows him to play numerous position at a high level.
• Marco Fabian: Fabian is best served playing a creative attacking midfield position with little to no defensive responsibilities. Unfortunately that is not a position the Mexican side should accommodate. However, he would likely be a serviceable national player this position.

Center Defesive Midfielder

Johnathan Dos Santos: Chronically underrated player throughout his career. Suffers from a lack of flashy plays that fans and coaches like to see. Offensively he provides lots of value setting up through balls and opening the field out wide for wingers. His long range shot is fantastic and he almost always plays one touch balls, never retaining the ball for too long. Defensively he is very stout, having played right back for Barcelona in the past. His slide tackles and ball recovery are among the best of any Mexican player alive. He needs more opportunities to showcase what he can do on a national team that has few strong alternatives at this position. Still only 25 years old.

Other options:

• Orbelin Pineda: He provides so much versatility moving forward for a Mexican team. In his club team Chivas he has bee playing as a defensive midfielder despite never having played there before this season. He has done a formidable job. His ball recovery and work-rate is top notch. His ability to break through a crowded midfield and dribble/distribute moving forward could also be valuable form this position.
• Andres Guardado: Guardado handles this position for his club team and does a formidable job. He would be a fine tactical move to this position if needed.
• Erick Gutierrez: Young player that forms part of Pachuca’s talented midfield trio. Very talented and brings unexpected size/physicality to the position for a Mexican side that typically rolls out undersized players. Has lots of potential but is still raw and needs experience against world-class talent. A move to Europe would be extremely interesting and I would follow his progress closely if such a move happened. He is only 20 years old.
• Gallito Vazquez: Former world-cup starter for Mexico. Played formidably but has had somewhat irregular form in the past year. Still very reliable but unlikely to push the position forward in the future. Has proven himself against world class competition, Mexico could do worse.
• Jesus Molina: Solid player, always in position, brings size and physicality to the position. He is a force to be reckoned with going up for corner kicks. Underrated player that could surprise in the future.

Left Back

Miguel Layun: Has reinvented himself as a world class assist man for a Mexican flooded Porto side. Among the top setup men in european soccer. Free kick, corner and penalty taker for a Porto team that is a perennial champion league contender. Osorio likes his left backs to be naturally left footed and Layun does not fit this description. However, Layun is so far above anyone at this position that I do not think it should matter. Osorio has played him at his other natural position of right back but due to Mexico’s depth at right back, we would be better served to have Layun stick to the left back position he play with Porto. I will be very disappointed in Osorio if his tactical stubbornness forces Layun onto the right which means a lesser player has to start for Mexico at left back.

Other options:

• Torres Nilo: A long-time alternative for Mexico at this position. Very irregular player that provides more physicality than any other Mexican on the pitch. Unfortunately he is reckless at times and lacks top level talent to be dangerous against world-class competition. He would be a solid player but a bit shaky in certain situations.
• Andres Guardado: Guardado has played this position before at a high level. He could do it in a pinch. The truth is that besides Layun and Torres Nilo, Mexico just has no other National level players at this position. I would trust Guardado above others if needed here.

Right Back

Paul Aguilar: Passionate player that throughout the years has always been considered a weak link in starting Mexican squads. Proving everyone wrong with big time performances and goals when it counts most. I used to be a doubter of him as well but I must admit that I trust him more than any other Mexican player at this position. This is a very weak position for Mexico but Aguilar gives us a solid presence that can withstand big game pressure and deliver.

Other Options:

• Layun: Layun is Mexico’s best left or right back. Unfortunately there is only one of him and I prefer he balance out the team by playing left back.
• Israel Jimenez: Solid and underrated player in Mexico. Have always seen him perform well. He could overtake Aguilar in the coming years if Aguilar slows down.
• Javier Aquino: I have a feeling Aquino could play well at this potion if given the time to adjust. His size may be a problem but his work-rate and tenacity could make up for it. He would be a very dangerous right back going forward on attack.
• Jonathan Dos Santos: Has played this position in the past with Barcelona. Could do it again in a pinch, prefer him at defensive midfielder position however.
• Erik Aguirre: Just turned 19 in February of this year and has shown lots of promise. Already a regular of Morelia Mexican club team, he could be the future of this position for Mexico. His size is an issue but he reminds me of a young Phlipp Lahm in his style of play. Would be interested to see him get a shot in some upcoming qualifiers.

Left Center Back

Hector Moreno: Easily the best Mexican defender alive today. Rafa Marquez successor and generational defensive player for Mexico. Very under-appreciated, Mexico would be lost without him. Clear cut leader of a Mexican defense that is extremely weak compared to previous years. Moreno has the experience, skill and poise of a world-class center back. I expect that if not for his disastrous world-cup injury he would likely be playing at a top 8 european club. Still surprised he has not played for higher level clubs in Europe. Fits in great with Osorio’s left footed fetish along the left side of the defensive line.

Other options:

• Diego Reyes: Very overrated player who I am surprised has fooled everyone into believing the natural talent & hype surrounding him. Unfortunately this is a weak position for Mexico and if forced to sub out Moreno, I would still chose Reyes. He has lots of natural talent but constantly seems lost on the pitch. Seems to play his worst under pressure and is not mentally strong enough. Lacks awareness in the box as his man constantly finds himself open for headers on corner kicks and crosses. Still only 23 so he has time to fix his game, if reports are to be believed his game is on the upswing over the past semester at Real Sociedad.
• Jair Pereira: Solid Mexican league defender who is not given credit where its due. Provides size and speed combination which is sorely lacking in Mexican defenders who usually only provide one of each.
• Cata Dominguez: Solid player, would play him if necessary.

Right Center Back

Carlos Salcedo: Unique Mexican talent that is likely to rise to top at this position by the end of the year. I already consider him Mexico’s second best defender by far. A move to Europe should be in store for the 22 year old. I foresee him taking Hector Moreno’s place as the next generational defender on the Mexican team when its time. Superb tackler and box awareness. Brings a unique blend of speed and physicality everywhere he plays. Would like to see him start and surpass Reyes for this position this summer. I expect he will have to make the move to Europe before Osorio can realize that he is clearly better player of the two.

Other options:

• Diego Reyes: Solid options here due to a lack of better options.
• Jair Pereira: Solid as well.
• Cata Dominguez: More solid, nothing special.

GoalKeeper

Alfredo Talavera: Mexico has long had a very strong goalkeeping pipeline forcing Talavera to substitute roles. With Ochoa and Corona in bad form, Talavera is the clear option to start. Talavera has the most natural physical gifts of any Mexican goalkeeper today and has proven himself time after time when given the chance both at club and international levels. I would feel supremely confident with Talavera in goal. He is a master penalty save goalkeeper and is very talented in the air on free kicks to the penalty box a rarity for Mexican keepers.

Other options:

• Jesus Corona: Most consistent goalkeeper of that past decade for Mexico. He is 35 now and will likely begin to decline in the coming years.
• Guillermo Ochoa: Overrated goalkeeper that has had some absolutely brilliant performances in key situations for Mexico. He is the most naturally gifted shot stopper Mexico has seen in the past 30 years. Although his agility, reflexes and shot stopping abilities are undeniable, he is very weak in aerial balls and in any play where he must leave his goal line to close out angles on goal. A unique talent no doubt, but I don’t trust him as much as I would like to for a starting keeper role.

Additional Thoughts

On The Bubble / Players left out:

• Gullit Pena: Inconsistent and has not shown enough to make it back onto the roster.
• Luis Montes: Very good domestic player but not skilled enough for international level play.
• Duenas: Would be a fine option at midfield positions but misses out due to the depth at those positions. Doesn’t provide anything unique.
• Zavala: Overrated in general game play. Very talented in aerial attack and long distance shot. As defensive mid he is just not good enough at his core role to warrant a selection.
• Nestor Araujo & Yasser Corona: Solid defenders but too slow for international level play. I prefer a blend of size and speed in the back line.
• Rafael Marquez: Would be a solid bench player but nothing more. He is simply to slow at this point in his career to play for a Mexican team that must defend counter-attacks all too often.
• Candido Ramirez: Player that just recently burst onto the national team scene. He is only 22 and could challenge for a spot in the future. At this point I don’t think he warrants consideration to start but could be a decent change of pace coming off the bench. Has shown very good crossing and dribbling technique in limited action.
• Isaac Brizuela: Good solid domestic player, not of international quality.
• Eduardo Herrera: He could be a good bench player but should not be in starting conversation with the players ahead of him at his position.
• Carlos Cisneros: Has been great domestically and only 22 years old. Not in consideration to start but should begin to garner call up consideration soon.

Young Players I am bullish on moving forward:

• Tecatito: Top Mexican level talent in the making. Maybe top Mexican player in the world by next world cup cycle.
• Orbelin Pineda: Reminds me a younger Guardado (except bigger and with more dribbling skill). Has the ability to compete against world-class competition right now. Did I mention he is only 19.
• Carlos Salcedo: Needs to get a fair shot at a starting national team spot ahead of Reyes. Clearly a better player/prospect.
• Hirving Lozano: Has tremendous potential as a winger. Can he successfully make the european jump and level up his game?

Closing Thoughts:

Thanks for making it this far, I hope you enjoyed this read! Let me know in the comments or on Twitter how horrible of a talent evaluator I am and why your lineup is better!