Andres Guardado saw 45 minutes of action with Mexico in their last tune up game ahead of the World Cup, against Sweden, and to be honest he didn’t look so great. It’s rather odd to see Mexico’s captain look off. Although he’s used in spots with Real Betis both as a starter and off the bench he’s usually able to get into the rhythm of the game and contribute to the team.
Even when he’s asked to come off the bench. For example, he was called upon in the wild Sevilla derby that Betis ended with 9 players on the pitch after 2 red cards. He was able to contribute, especially on the defensive end. Why is it though that he hasn’t looked great with Mexico over his last few outings? Should he even be considered as a sub option for the team in the World Cup?
We’re Not Saying Guardado is Washed!
This is something that we want to clear up. Guardado is still a very important player for Real Betis. If injuries allow him he could very well continue to play at a high level for them in years to come. He may not stay that long at Betis though. He already had a contract issue heading into this year. Maybe after the World Cup he decides to make a move to MLS or even back to his boyhood club at Atlas.
The problem for Guardado in this current Mexico squad is that he’s asked to do a bit too much as part of the midfield in that 4-3-3. Mexico likes to stretch the field a lot because that plays to their strengths offensively which is getting Vega, and Lozano in open space. This leaves the midfielders with a lot of ground to cover. At Betis and in Spain in general teams usually play with high pressure, but both squads play in close spaces. Which means that in that midfield spot you don’t have to cover as much ground as you do with Mexico.
There Maybe Better Options On Mexico’s Bench
Basically this is the same point that we were just making. What Guardado is asked to do with Mexico is not something that plays to his current strengths. A young Guardado would actually be a great asset as a left back in Mexico’s 4-3-3 with Martino. Current Guardado at central midfielder though looks short, and slow. Guys like Edson Alvarez, Erick Gutierrez, Luis Romo, and even Orbelin seem to be better equipped to contribute to the current squad in that midfield. They have either more speed than Guardado at this point or are just better built physically to compete in a defensive midfielder role than he is.
Which Spots Could Be Good For Him?
It seems rather clear at this point that Guardado is not going to start for Mexico at the World Cup. Luis Chavez, Charly Rodríguez, and Hector Herrera may very well be the three chosen by Martino to begin the tournament. That’s not to say that there won’t be a spot in which Guardado could contribute. Forcing him on the field though, much like Juan Carlos Osorio did with Rafael Marquez in Russia could be a problem. Martino needs to be smart and pick his spots with Guardado.
Guardado could really help the team if they’re winning, maybe by a couple of goals and the idea is to hold possession of the ball for long stretches. He could come in almost in a number 10 role with two guys behind him that can fill more of that defensive midfielder role. If he could play in front of Edson Alvarez, and Erick Gutierrez he could look great. Ultimately that would be a very limited role which is what we expect him to have in Qatar.
