THE MEXICO TOP 25!
If you aren’t aware of my current project, I will be collaborating with other El Tri experts every month and rank who we deem to be the best Mexican players at the moment. It isn’t a “best of the month” list, but recent performances will of course influence our decisions. It should be fun.
Remember, these rankings are subjective. My main goal is to inspire discussion and conversations about our top players. Let us know any and all thoughts.
Collaborators from this month include:
Here are the rankings for the current top 25 Mexican players: Jason Marquitz, Tom Harrison, Jon Arnold, Francisco Velasco, Amelia Lopez, Steve Graff, Bryan W and yours truly.
1. Andres Guardado
Club: Real Betis
Age: 30
Position: Midfielder
“He wasn’t at his best in recent qualifiers, but Guardado is still one of Mexico’s most important players. With Rafa now out of the picture in the near future, it’s time for the midfielder to take charge.” -Cesar
2. Javier Hernandez
Club: West Ham
Age: 29
Position: Striker
“Two goals from three games in the Premier League, Chicharito is on pace to score over 20 goals this season. Let’s not get too carried away as Hernandez has failed to score in El Tri’s last four games that he has played in.” -Francisco
3. Jesus Manuel Corona
Club: Porto
Age: 24
Position: Midfielder/Striker
“It’s becoming evident that his talents would’ve boosted Mexico tremendously in the Confederations cup.” -Bryan
4. Jonathan dos Santos
Club: LA Galaxy
Age: 27
Position: Midfielder
“His current form suggests a crucial role for Mexico in Russia.” -Jason
5. Hirving Lozano
Club: PSV Eindhoven
Age: 22
Position: Midfielder/Winger
“Three goals for PSV, a goal and impressive performances for the national team. Superb start to Chucky’s season.” -Tom
6. Carlos Vela
Club: Real Sociedad
Age: 28
Position: Striker
“On paper, Vela is the most talented player in Mexico’s roster. El Tri fans should pray that he doesn’t get distracted in La Liga or MLS before the World Cup.” -Cesar
7. Hector Moreno
Club: Roma
Age: 29
Position: Defender
“The former PSV man left Holland for a promising move to AS Roma but he is yet to get any minutes in the Serie A with his new team. Hopefully, this move does not affect his performance heading into the 2018 World Cup.” -Francisco
8. Raul Jimenez
Club: Benfica
Age: 26
Position: Striker
“Watch out for Raul over these next few months. I wouldn’t be surprised if he takes the #1 striker spot if Chich has problems with West Ham.” -Bryan
9. Hector Herrera
Club: Porto
Age: 27
Position: Midfielder
“So much talent but an increasing number of red flags.” -Jason
10. Guillermo Ochoa
Club: Standard Liege
Age: 32
Position: Goalkeeper
“Another season, another team with an awful defense for Ochoa to deal with. Still Mexico’s best keeper though.” -Tom
11. Diego Reyes
Club: Porto
Age: 24
Position: Defender
“After failing to secure a transfer over the summer, it’s going to be interesting to see if Reyes can find regular minutes with Porto. If not, it will hurt his current standing with El Tri.” -Cesar
12. Marco Fabian
Club: Eintracht Frankfurt
Age: 28
Position: Midfielder
“Unfortunately, the Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder will miss the rest of the year due to surgery on his back. Based on his breakout season in the Bundesliga last year, Marco Fabian is still one of the most respected Mexican players in the world.” -Francisco
13. Carlos Salcedo
Club: Eintracht Frankfurt
Age: 23
Position: Defender
“Now that he’s returning from injury, his tenure with Eintracht can finally take off.” -Bryan
14. Edson Alvarez
Club: America
Age: 19
Position: Defender/Midfielder
“No Mexican player boosted his stock more than Edson Alvarez this summer.” -Jason
15. Javier Aquino
Club: Tigres
Age: 27
Position: Midfielder/Winger
“Missed a big chance and failed to make an impact for El Tri. For Tigres, the star trio up front has led to Aquino being somewhat forgotten.” -Tom
16. Miguel Layun
Club: Porto
Age: 29
Position: Defender
“Despite his current backup spot with Porto, Layun will continue to be an important figure for Osorio.” -Cesar
17. Giovani dos Santos
Club: LA Galaxy
Age: 28
Position: Striker
“Six goals in 17 games would be decent in the Premier League or La Liga but that is Gio’s track record in MLS with the LA Galaxy. Not good enough for someone as talented as Dos Santos, should be putting up Giovinco numbers.” -Francisco
18. Nestor Araujo
Club: Santos Laguna
Age: 26
Position: Defender
“I expect him to step up big over these next few months in prep for the WC.” -Bryan
19. Cesar Montes
Club: Monterrey
Age: 20
Position: Defender
“Becoming a reliable option in defense for El Tri and the likely eventual starter.” -Jason
20. Oribe Peralta
Club: America
Age: 33
Position: Striker
“América’s defeat to Morelia proved how crucial Peralta still is for their hopes this season, he’s the only reliable goal scorer.” -Tom
21. Jesus Gallardo
Club: Pumas
Age: 23
Position: Wing-back/Winger
“I’m still not sure if Gallardo is worth the hype, but you have to respect his daring and audacious runs down the left wing.” -Cesar
22. Orbelin Pineda
Club: Chivas
Age: 21
Position: Midfielder
“The 21-year-old had a rough Gold Cup and is now struggling in the Liga MX along with Chivas, who are currently in penultimate place. Still hard to ignore how controlling Pineda was in the midfield for Chivas in its title-winning campaign last season.” -Francisco
23. Rodolfo Pizarro
Club: Chivas
Age: 23
Position: Midfielder
“A player who we should’ve been with El Tri in September. I hope he gets his chance in October.” -Bryan
24. Erick Gutierrez
Club: Pachuca
Age: 22
Position: Midfielder
“Gutierrez is a long shot to make the World Cup squad, but Mexico could really use him at his best.” -Jason
25: Jurgen Damm
Club: Tigres
Age: 24
Position: Midfielder/Winger
“In and out of the Tigres side, questions should be raised over Damm’s place in the Mexico squad.” -Tom
Honorable mentions: Jesus Dueñas, Alfredo Talavera, Paul Aguilar, Jose de Jesus Corona, Jesus Molina.
Comments
