Ranking the Top 5 Midfielders from Liga MX Torneo Apertura

In our second delivery of the best Liga MX footballers of the 2014 Apertura tournament we bring you the top midfielders of the season.

For those taking care of the center of the pitch, it means having possession, feeding balls to the forwards and creating a link with the defense.

The ones playing through the flanks are in charge of providing depth to the squad, which oblige them to be fast and to have sharp dribbling skills.

It's not easy to fulfill all the requirements, especially with so many youngsters coming into the scene.

Let's take a look at the footballers who made this list.

5. Carlos Pena (Leon)

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Despite Leon's shaky season, Carlos Pena was instrumental in keeping the boat afloat.

He appeared in all 17 matchdays of the tournament, he had 61 shot accuracy, he completed 82 percent of the passes he sent and won 48 percent of the duels in which he was involved.

Pena was key when he joined the attacking zone. He created 27 goal opportunities, 92 percent of them through the center of the pitch.

His power and accuracy with both legs allowed him to put the ball away three times, while his strong aerial game helped him score two more goals.

4. Jose Francisco Torres (UANL)

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Jose Francisco Torres had a tough 2014 Clausura tournament, but made quite a comeback to help UANL reach the final showdown of the 2014 Apertura, which they lost to America.

Torres played 21 games, 19 of them as a starter, for a total of 1,676 minutes on the pitch.

His technique and fine touch allowed him to reach an average pass accuracy of 86 percent and to create 42 goal opportunities, 39 of them were key passes.

Usually moving through the left flank and into the center of the pitch. Once he steps into the last third of the pitch, Torres leaves his rivals behind easily.

Despite his ease to create plays, he also helps the defense while in distress. This season he made 37 interceptions, 12 clearances and one block.

3. Arturo Gonzalez (Atlas)

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Arturo Gonzalez finished the 2014 Apertura tournament with a total tally of four goals, enough to become Atlas' top scorer of the season.

The 20-year-old amazed with his speed and braveness. He appeared in 19 games, 18 of them as a starter.

His knack for goalscoring was just one of the many assets he brought to the team. Ponchito also created 30 goal opportunities, including three assists (more than any other of his teammates).

Although he has a room for improvement in the possession department, Gonzalez made 40 shots, eight were blocked, while 16 were on target and the rest off target.

He also helped the defense whenever he could. Overall he made 16 interceptions, eight clearances and one block.

The future is bright for this kid, who has already made his debut with Mexico national team.

2. Jose Juan Vazquez (Leon)

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Jose Juan Vazquez continues to amaze as a central midfielder, especially when he helps the back line.

El Gallito is a flexible midfielder who can add to the attack easily, thanks to his elusive moves, without compromising his duties in the center of the pitch.

His ball possession is fantastic, while his vision to create plays is unique.

In 14 appearances he completed 90 percent of the passes he sent, he missed 93 of 914 he attempted.

Defensively he made 20 interceptions, 10 clearances and five blocks, and he won half of his duels, including 29 tackles of a total of 47.

Vazquez gave Leon structure when the club needed it the most.

1. Jesus Zavala (Monterrey)

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Monterrey has seen the development and success of Jesus Zavala, who has worn Rayados' jersey since 2006.

Zavala's fierceness and commitment have set him as a thriving force for his club's midfield. This season he created 10 goal opportunities, 90 percent of them through the center of the pitch.

His fine touch resulted in an average pass accuracy of 86 percent, while his mobility inside the box combined with his strong aerial game helped him score three times with the head.

Zavala is the man who keeps the team together. He is a fantastic link between the defense and the offense, which allows him to run up and down.

In the 2014 Apertura he also made 42 clearances, 37 interceptions and eight blocks.

All stats appear courtesy of ESPN FC and Squawka, unless otherwise noted.

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