As we mentioned in our previous article where we covered Tata Martino’s roster list for the upcoming friendly games against Peru, and Colombia this list is meant to be the precursor to the final World Cup roster. Barring an injury or another unforeseen circumstance the guys that are on the outside of the list like Acevedo, Marcelo Flores, and others probably won’t be catching the plane to Qatar. Of the guys who are on the list though, plenty have a lot to play for.
There were 31 players called up to these two friendly games, but only 26 can make the final roster that will head to Qatar. We’ll be perhaps looking at final roster cuts, and who’s on the bubble after the 2 friendly games. Here, what we want to do is look into the position battles that are going to be taking place for a starting spot. Most of the players that we’ll be covering here are locks to make the list. There are also spots like goalkeeper where there’s not really a competition. Barring an injury Ochoa will take the field for Mexico against Poland in the first World Cup game for El Tri. The starting number 9, that’s TBD!
Who Will Be The Starting Number 9 For Mexico At The World Cup?
There are 3 spots on the field that are seemingly “open” in Mexico’s starting 11 that could take the field against Poland in their World Cup debut. The number 9 spot is still up for debate particularly with the injuries to Rogelio Funes Mori, and Raul Jimenez, as well as the great seasons that both Santi Gimenez, and Henry Martin are having. It could be argued that in Martino’s mind Funes Mori, and Raul Jimenez were the top two options, but the other two guys would be arriving at the World Cup in much better form. At this point it seems like Martino’s best bet is to drag out the battle. He’ll probably drop one striker, and only take 3. Jimenez was the starter in Martino’s mind, but his injury history and his lack of form in recent years could play against him heading into November.
Replacing Tecatito Corona
In Martino’s 4-3-3 system the wingers that play up top are key to the success of the team. Chucky Lozano is going to be one of those attacking wingers for sure. The other spot is up for grabs due to the injury suffered by Tecatito Corona which will force him to miss the World Cup. Alexis Vega, Uriel Antuna, Diego Lainez, Orbelin Pineda and even Roberto Alvarado are all fighting for that spot. If recent games tell us anything it would seem that Alexis Vega is ahead of the rest at this point. However, Antuna has always been a favorite of Martino’s, so he could get a surprise start.
Young or Old Midfield Players?
The midfield spots are potentially the most contested coming into these friendly games for Mexico. Team captain Andres Guardado has not been a regular starter in the last few games for Mexico, but he’ll make the squad. It’s looking like Martino is opting for a more youthful midfield. Why wouldn’t he? After all, Guardado struggles a ton in that 4-3-3 system with a very vertical Mexico squad. Ajax’s Edson Alvarez is set to start as a defensive midfielder, he seems to have that position locked down. From there, Charly Rodríguez could be the surprise start alongside a rapidly aging Hector Herrera who has been a constant on the squad. A couple of players from Liga MX like Pachuca’s Chavez, and Chivas’ Beltran made the last list, but may find it hard to stay on the final roster. Particularly if as we predict Martino will in fact take Alvarado, Lainez, Antuna, Pineda and Vega to the World Cup. The versatility that Romo, and Gutierrez provide could make both Beltran, and Chavez expendable.
