Key Battles That Will Shape Mexico's Clash with Chile
Mexico coach Miguel Herrera is ready to start his four-year tenure this Saturday when his side faces Chile. The biggest happening, of course, is the addition of new players to El Tri's roster.
The next big tournament for Herrera is the 2015 Copa America, however, this project has been planned on a bigger scale, and its ultimate goal is putting together the strongest Mexico squad anyone has ever seen in a World Cup.
There is no question that El Tri have talent. These newcomers and youngsters will get a chance to wear "la Verde" before Herrera decides who will make the final cut.
But every journey starts with one step, and for Mexico it's this weekend. Let's see which battles will shape the match between El Tri and La Roja.
Miguel Layun vs. Francisco Silva
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Miguel Layun made the team after Jorge Torres Nilo was sidelined due to an injury. The fact that the America defender was left out has nothing to do with his skills, but with Miguel Herrera's experimental process.
This year, Layun has been an undisputed starter with El Tri due to his closeness with the coach, plus his undeniable ability to unbalance the rival's defense through the left flank.
He has enough speed to go all the way to the goal line, where his crosses and diagonals become a very valuable asset for Mexico.
He will face Francisco Silva, a 28-year-old footballer who currently plays for Club Brugge on loan from Osasuna.
The Chilean knows how to close spaces and cover tightly. Last summer, he recovered 20 balls in three appearances in the World Cup, as per FIFA.com.
This will not be an easy game for Layun, he needs to be very accurate and take advantage of the opportunities he gets.
Oswaldo Alanis vs. Alexis Sanchez
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Alexis Sanchez is going through a fantastic moment with Arsenal. Squawka reports that he has scored once and created 10 goal opportunities, including one assist, in the Premier League.
He has been at his best with the national team too. During the 2014 World Cup, Sanchez was key in Chile's attack. He put the ball away twice and made 11 deliveries to the penalty area, as per FIFA.com.
His talent is undeniable and will bring out the best of Oswaldo Alanis.
The Santos Laguna defender has never worn "la Verde," but his recent performance in the Liga MX set him as one of the candidates to take over a spot in Miguel Herrera's defensive line.
After seven matchdays, Alanis has 15 interceptions, 42 clearances and five blocks, according to Squawka.
He is a flexible defender, as he can play on the left or the right with the same clarity and success.
Jose Juan Vazquez vs. Arturo Vidal
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Perhaps one of the players who impressed the most last summer in Brazil was Jose Juan Vazquez.
Miguel Herrera's system put a lot of distress in the central midfielder, because he is in charge of holding back the rival's offense, without leaving his ball-distribution duties behind.
Vazquez managed to do both in style. He has become the perfect link with the forwards and he has also partnered with the left and right midfielders to open spaces and create plays.
We will see a fantastic clash in the center of the pitch. The fight to control the ball and have more possession will be fundamental.
FIFA.com reports that Arturo Vidal only played 235 minutes in the 2014 World Cup, because he was coming off from a knee injury.
His offensive profile will push Vazquez to strive for perfection. If El Gallito manages to neutralize him, he will cut some of Chile's key goal opportunities.
Hector Herrera vs. Marcelo Diaz
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Ever since Hector Herrera left Mexico for Portugal his game with El Tri has gotten better by the minute.
He supports Jose Juan Vazquez when he is in distress, plus he takes his chances in the last third of the pitch. His long-distance shot is sharp and his passes are accurate.
Squawka informs that Herrera's average pass accuracy in the latest UEFA Champions League was 86 percent, while in the 2014 World Cup he completed 82 percent of the passes he sent.
Herrera put two balls in the crossbar, proving that he can also make a difference in the score.
Marcelo Diaz will be the man in charge of stopping Herrera.
Under Jorge Sampoali's command, the Basel footballer usually stays on the center of the pitch, while Charles Aranguiz joins the attack.
Diaz needs to be at his best to have a chance at taking over the ball possession. The competition with the Mexican will be ferocious.
During the past World Cup he only won 28 percent of the duels in which he was involved, as per Squawka.
Erick Torres vs Gary Medel
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Erick Torres is Mexico's newest man in the attacking zone. The Chivas USA footballer didn't shine with Guadalajara because he lacked playing time.
Now, he has proven to be a thriving force in the MLS. After just one year he has scored 22 times, which set him as the all-time Mexican scorer of the league.
He needs to keep the momentum going because Miguel Herrera will have a lot of names at his disposal for this position, starting with Javier Hernandez.
Gary Medel will try to turn El Cubo's debut into a nightmare.
The Chilean recently joined Inter Milan, where he has already completed a game, according to the team's website.
During the 2014 World Cup, Medel proved that his ball possession is enviable. He completed 90 percent of his passes and recovered 36 balls, as per FIFA.com.
However, he could do better in duels. He only won 38 percent of tackles and 52 aerial duels, according to Squawka.
All stats appear courtesy of ESPN FC, unless otherwise noted.
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