Yesterday we talked about Pumas being virtually the only team that’s on the outside looking into the playoff picture that controls their own destiny. Their 3 remaining games are against teams that are also fighting for those last playoff spots that Liga MX offers. That’s not necessarily the reason though that they happen to be perhaps the only team that no one wants to see in the playoffs. Of course, teams would rather go up against Pumas, than Club America or Monterrey in the playoffs. We are referring to the teams that are currently on the outside looking in.
A Quality Team With Nothing To Lose
A Quality Team With Nothing To Lose
Any team that gets into the playoffs in the bottom half of those 5 to 12 positions has nothing to lose. In fact, in previous seasons coaches that finished 12th were very likely going to lose their jobs. That may not be the case anymore, particularly if you’re able to win that one game wild card round and make it into the elite 8 version of the playoffs. If Puebla or Mazatlan get in they’ll also have nothing to lose for sure. The thing is, they just don’t have the quality on the roster that Pumas does.
Dani Alves is not the key to the team at all. Although, where he plays could definitely determine how far this team is going to go. We’ll get to that in a sec here. It’s really Juan Dinenno who can make this team go if he can get hot offensively. There’s an argument to be made that he’s the reason why they’re on the outside looking in, to begin with. He’s missed a ton of chances that could’ve not only been converted to goals, but points for Pumas.
If the team is able to get contributions from Diogo de Oliveira up front as well they can be very dangerous. The team has proven time and time again that they know how to play these, winner take all games. Their success in knockout stages has essentially helped coach Andres Lillini keep his job. The team under his watch in the last few seasons has had lackluster regular seasons that are seemingly forgotten with solid results in the playoffs.
Is The Dani Alves Factor Playing For Pumas or Against Them?
Is The Dani Alves Factor Playing For Pumas or Against Them? The Dani Alves factor is certainly one that has dominated the headlines since the Brazilian landed in “El Pedregal”. Has he really contributed to the team’s play on the field? He’s picked up some assists with decent crosses, particularly from corner kicks. We know though that ball control is the last thing to go for an older player. Taking spot kicks is something that he’ll be able to do potentially in his 60s. What he’s proven he can’t do effectively even at 39 is play as a central or defensive midfielder. Sure, you want Dani with the ball at his feet as much as possible, we get that, but when he’s played in that central midfielder role he has struggled.
It happens to the best of them. Liga MX looks really easy until you find yourself between the white lines, and you realize that the game is very physical. Dani Alves has never really played that position consistently throughout his career. At this point, and in Liga MX he could very well play as an attacking winger in a 4-3-3. It’s hard to see him lasting the whole game at right back, but you have to think he’s going to feel more comfortable next to the sideline than he’ll feel in the middle of the field. Quite frankly he’s been exposed in that position. Pumas can make a splash if they get into the playoffs. They just have to make sure their top strikers play well, and they keep Dani Alves at the right spot.
