Erick Torres and the 5 Mexico Players with a Point to Prove vs. Bolivia
Mexico's goalless draw to Chile was more than just the first step toward Russia 2018. It also provided some footballers with the chance to wear "La Verde" for the first time; others will get their shot on Tuesday vs. Bolivia.
Coach Miguel Herrera knows that some of the footballers who helped him restructure El Tri in the past World Cup won't be available in four years.
So there's an obvious need to find replacements for those positions. The defense has always been an issue for Mexico, and in this new process it seems like it won't be different.
Meanwhile, El Piojo has a lot of players who can take over the attacking zone, but the lack of consistency of some is worrisome.
Let's take a look at the footballers who must prove a point against Bolivia.
Erick Torres
1 of 5
Erick Torres has found rhythm and continuity since he arrived in Chivas USA in July 2013.
El Cubo had barely played with Guadalajara in the Liga MX, mainly because the club signed three well-known and experienced forwards: Miguel Sabah, Rafael Marquez Lugo and Aldo de Nigris.
After 40 appearances, 21 goals and one assist, he caught Miguel Herrera's attention and eventually secured his first cap with the senior team.
Torres needs to make a good impression against Bolivia. He will probably get minutes, especially after Giovani dos Santos left the Chile match with a strained muscle.
Herrera decided to leave Javier Hernandez and Raul Jimenez out of the list, but this won't happen often. The competition for a spot in El Tri's attack will be fierce.
If El Cubo keeps up the good work he can become a regular for the team.
Javier Orozco
2 of 5
Javier Orozco played his fourth game with El Tri last Saturday, but it was dreadful for the Santos Laguna footballer.
He had the clearest goal opportunity of the match but couldn't put the ball away and instead sent it to the bleachers, which is unusual for him.
El Chuleta has struggled to secure the starting position, both with the clubs where he has played and with the national team. He is more a talented sub who can change the game in the blink of an eye.
He is strong and fast, which helps him leave the defenders behind. He normally takes advantage of the few options he has, and that is precisely what he needs to show coach Miguel Herrera.
Orozco will get another chance against Bolivia, and he better bring his A-game.
Oswaldo Alanis
3 of 5
Oswaldo Alanis is a 25-year-old who has been an undisputed starter with Santos Laguna. His fine performances in the Liga MX secured him a spot in Miguel Herrera's squad.
However, Alanis struggled throughout the game with Chile. He couldn't stop Alexis Sanchez, who was impeccable, and Arturo Vidal, whose knee injury didn't seem to be an issue.
The centre-back needs to step up his game if he wants to be considered again. The match vs. Bolivia might not be the most challenging, but it could very well be a confidence booster for Alanis.
His most valuable assets include strong aerial game and take-ons, as well as clearances. According to Squawka, during the 2014 Apertura he has won 71 percent of the aerial duels in which he has been involved and has had 15 blocks.
Hiram Mier
4 of 5
Hiram Mier could get a chance to play versus Bolivia, especially since Francisco Rodriguez left the previous match due to an injury, and the coach could try him instead of Oswaldo Alanis or Miguel Angel Herrera (not related to the manager).
The Monterrey centre-back has proved his worth while wearing La Verde. He knows how to keep the ball under stressful situations and is fast enough to join the attack if needed.
Mier was an instrumental piece of the U23 squad that won the Toulon Tournament and the Summer Olympics, both in 2012.
After his promotion to the senior team he has not been as successful, mainly due to a knee injury that sidelined him for over six months.
However, Mier is a tough defender who covers tightly and hardly ever leaves open spaces.
Rodolfo Pizarro
5 of 5
Paul Aguilar is the undisputed starter through the right flank; however, Rodolfo Pizarro could give Aguilar a run for his money.
The Pachuca defender has a lot of qualities that set him as one of the most promising Mexican footballers. He is fast, accurate and creative, which comes in handy in Miguel Herrera's 5-3-2 system.
Pizarro can join the attack easily through the sideline, helping the team with depth and verticality. His speed is crucial when unbalancing the rival's defense.
With Pizarro only 20, Herrera has plenty of time to sharpen the right-back's skills and prepare him for the starting role. The first step could very well be versus Bolivia.
All stats appear courtesy of ESPN FC unless otherwise noted.
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