Top 25 Mexican Players

Top 25 Mexican players (updated 2/8/18)

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: Jason Marquitz, Amy Lopez, Jon Arnold, Bryan W, Steve Graff and yours truly. (Also, special shout-out to Raul Barraza for helping out with the blurbs)

1. Hirving Lozano
Club: PSV Eindhoven
Age: 22
Position: Midfielder/Winger
“Lozano is undoubtedly the most in-form Mexican player. All signs point to him making a big transfer this summer.” -Cesar

2. Andres Guardado
Club: Real Betis
Age: 31
Position: Midfielder
“He just keeps on producing: whether it’s in the Eredivisie or La Liga. Currently, 6th in La Liga in assists and the metronome of the Real Betis attack.” -Raul

3. Javier Hernandez
Club: West Ham
Age: 29
Position: Striker
“A failure to move in the January transfer window leaves Chicharito in a less-than-ideal situation to prepare for the World Cup.” -Jason

4. Hector Herrera
Club: Porto
Age: 27
Position: Midfielder
“As long as he’s getting his minutes and captaining FC Porto, he will be one of Mexico’s best heading to Russia.” -Bryan

5. Jesus Manuel Corona
Club: Porto
Age: 25
Position: Midfielder/Striker
“He is one of El Tri’s most valuable assets. He’s had some personal misfortunate that hasn’t allowed him to show his full potential during important tournaments or matches but his playing time is consistent with Porto and increasing in length every match.” -Amy

6. Hector Moreno
Club: Real Sociedad
Age: 30
Position: Defender
“Following a difficult time with Roma, Moreno should eventually pick up his season with regular minutes for Real Sociedad.” -Cesar

7. Raul Jimenez
Club: Benfica
Age: 26
Position: Striker
“Can still score goals but just not seeing enough of the field. Raul has 1 goal and 2 assists in 338 league minutes this season. Will he be sharp come World Cup time?” -Raul

8. Carlos Vela
Club: LAFC
Age: 28
Position: Striker/Winger
“Now in preseason with LAFC, Vela will need a strong showing once the season finally begins.” -Jason

9. Carlos Salcedo
Club: Eintracht Frankfurt
Age: 24
Position: Defender
“It’s great to see Carlos succeeding on a top Bundesliga side. This is all adding up well for El Tri, even more so if they use a 3-4-3.” -Bryan

10. Jonathan dos Santos
Club: LA Galaxy
Age: 27
Position: Midfielder
“Jona’s place in Russia isn’t guaranteed but his talent speaks volumes for him, regardless if he’s in MLS or not. Him coming on during the Bosnia match completely changed the tone. More passes were being made, there was fluidity in the plays and Mexico looked entirely different from the first half. That’s the kind of contribution he has to offer.” -Amy

11. Diego Reyes
Club: Porto
Age: 25
Position: Defender
“Reyes has not only gained a starting role with Porto but has also been an unexpected source of goals in recent matches. Great news for El Tri fans that were anxious about his initial place on his club’s bench.” -Cesar

12. Miguel Layun
Club: Sevilla
Age: 29
Position: Defender
“Finally left Porto and should see his minutes go drastically up. Which is music to Osorio’s ears. Should creep up higher on the next top 25 list.” -Raul

13. Guillermo Ochoa
Club: Standard Liege
Age: 32
Position: Goalkeeper
“Mexico’s best keeper is getting plenty of work in Belgium. He will undoubtedly be Mexico’s #1 this summer.” -Jason

14. Javier Aquino
Club: Tigres
Age: 27
Position: Midfielder/Winger
“Seems a little high on this list, especially since he hasn’t been improving as an attacking option. He is pretty much the same player as he was four years ago.” -Bryan

15. Edson Alvarez
Club: America
Age: 20
Position: Defender/Midfielder
“He didn’t see any minutes during the Bosnia friendly and his starting position with America is in question as well. He stood out during the Gold Cup last year and the talent is there, but something has to change.” -Amy

16. Oribe Peralta
Club: America
Age: 34
Position: Striker
“Although players like Henry Martin and Alan Pulido have the potential to surpass him in the near future, at the moment, Oribe is Mexico’s third-best striker.” -Cesar

17. Marco Fabian
Club: Eintracht Frankfurt
Age: 28
Position: Midfielder
“After a great season last year for Frankfurt, Fabian has only just returned to the field. Competition will be fierce for a World Cup roster spot and he will need to show JCO he should be on that plane to Russia.” -Raul

18. Rodolfo Pizarro
Club: Chivas
Age: 23
Position: Midfielder
“A solid start to the season and a decent showing with Mexico could be getting him closer to a World cup place.” -Jason

19. Nestor Araujo
Club: Santos Laguna
Age: 26
Position: Defender
“He’s a steady defensive option for Mexico. It’s a shame that Bundesliga rumors never came to life.” -Bryan

20. Jonathan Gonzalez
Club: Monterrey
Age: 18
Position: Midfielder
“As a Mexican-American who also wishes she was able to represent the team’s colors, seeing him on the field was a surreal moment. He’s got definite flair which was seen a little during the match against Bosnia and is ready to show what he can do for the team *he* chose to represent. He needs time, but he’ll slowly begin making an impact.” -Amy

21. Omar Govea
Club: Royal Excel Mouscron
Age: 22
Position: Midfielder
“Can Govea sneak into Osorio’s World Cup roster? Even if he doesn’t make it, the midfielder is a promising figure for the future of the national team.” -Cesar

22. Giovani dos Santos
Club: LA Galaxy
Age: 28
Position: Striker
“Many fans do not want him to be on the final 23 but JCO seems hell bent on bringing him. Gio will have a short window to convince everyone he is World Cup worthy as the MLS season does not start until March.” -Raul

23. Cesar Montes
Club: Monterrey
Age: 20
Position: Defender
“A true rising star for Mexico. He should be a national team fixture for the next decade.” -Jason

24. Jesus Gallardo
Club: Pumas
Age: 23
Position: Defender/Winger
“Expect him in Russia, Osorio clearly has a liking for Jesús.” -Bryan

25. Henry Martin
Club: America
Age: 25
Position: Striker
“He’s doing great things with America. He was called up for this past week’s Mexico friendly and played for 73 minutes. Chances of him going to Russia are lukewarm but he’s making a name for himself and that’s important.” -Amy

Honorable mentions: Erick Gutierrez, Elias Hernandez, Jose de Jesus Corona, Orbelin Pineda, Victor Guzman, Arturo Gonzalez.

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