5 Key Battles for Liga MX Week 13
After a one-week hiatus, the players are eager to make a difference on the pitch. The Liga MX will be back this weekend to keep the emotions flowing with Matchday 13.
With the Liguilla closer by the minute, the footballers have to perform at their best to help their clubs secure a spot in the playoffs.
Eduardo Herrera is a fine example of how hard work can pay off, despite the team's current situation. UNAM sit 10th in the general table (4-3-5 record), but Herrera's scoring rate has helped the team cope with the defensive lapses.
Mariano Pavone is another forward who has given hope to his team. He has scored twice in Cruz Azul's past three games; while Mauro Boselli shines for Leon, although the team is sunk in a crisis.
The youngsters have also become cornerstones of their clubs, like Miguel Angel Herrera.
Let's take a look at the key battles of Week 13.
Paolo Goltz (America) vs. Dorlan Pabon (Monterrey)
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Paolo Goltz had enjoyed good performances with America until Matchday 12, when Cruz Azul trashed them 4-0.
The centre-back had a tough time covering Mariano Pavone. In that game Goltz only won 58 percent of the duels in which he was involved, according to Squawka.
This week he has a challenging task, as he will try to stop Dorlan Pabon, the 2014 Apertura top scorer.
The Monterrey forward has proven to be a finisher and a playmaker, allowing his teammates to score when he doesn't have a good opportunity to put the ball away.
After 11 appearances, he has three assists and a total of 15 goal opportunities, as reported by Squawka. He has scored nine times, all of them with the right foot.
Hugo Ayala (UANL) vs. Mariano Pavone (Cruz Azul)
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Hugo Ayala's performance with UANL has been flawless during the 2014 Apertura.
His toughness allows him to charge the rivals accurately, while his fine touch has helped him keep the danger far from his side's goal.
Squawka reports that Ayala has made 51 clearances, 30 interceptions and eight blocks in 12 appearances. He also has completed 81 percent of the passes he has sent.
His endurance and consistency earned him a place in Miguel Herrera's Mexico squad.
After proving his worth with the national team, Ayala will have one of the toughest challenges of the season, when Tigres hosts Cruz Azul at Estadio Universitario.
Mariano Pavone had a rough start to this tournament. First, he lost his starting position, and then he injured his knee.
But he went back to his old self against Leon, where he scored the winner. He kept the momentum going versus America, when he defeated Moises Munoz with a powerful right-foot shot.
Pavone has also made two assists and nine key passes, as per Squawka.
Mauro Boselli (Leon) vs. Carlos Salcido (Guadalajara)
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Leon have been struggling from the first matchday of the 2014 Apertura—they have a 4-0-8 record so far— but they say there's always a silver lining, and for La Fiera that's Mauro Boselli.
The forward has scored seven goals so far—three with his head, three more with the right foot and one with the left foot.
Boselli takes risks and fights hard for every ball. No wonder he has made 32 shots, 17 of them on target, as per Squawka.
Carlos Salcido must be flawless, especially since he just returned to the team after missing three weeks due to injury.
The former Mexico international is not as fast as he used to be, but his experience and fine touch compensate it. He has completed 85 percent of the passes he has sent, according to Squawka.
Alfonso Gonzalez (Atlas) vs. Oscar Rojas (Toluca)
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Alfonso Gonzalez is Atlas' top scorer, with four goals in the 2014 Apertura.
He has proven that youth has nothing to do with performance. So far, Ponchito has 50 percent shot accuracy, 84 percent pass completion and 20 chances created, including three assists, per Squawka.
Gonzalez is lethal when he plays through the left flank. He can easily make a run to the goal line, or step into the box to shoot from close range.
If he wants to keep things going, the left midfielder will have to surpass Oscar Rojas.
Squawka reports that the Toluca defender has made 26 clearances and seven interceptions. He can join the attack easily, but with a player like Ponchito in front, he should focus in his defensive duties.
Toluca have been tough at the back, but Rojas has only won 47 percent of the duels in which he has been involved.
Eduardo Herrera (UNAM) vs. Miguel Angel Herrera (Pachuca)
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Forget about Oribe Peralta or Raul Jimenez as the best strikers of the Liga MX—this season it is Eduardo Herrera who holds the honor.
The UNAM forward has a tally of five goals in 10 appearances. His body build combined with his speed make him a very unbalancing footballer.
Herrera can get into the box from any part of the pitch. His powerful right foot is his most lethal weapon when he finds himself in front of the goalkeeper.
He also creates goal opportunities whenever he can. This season he has sent six key passes and one assist, per Squawka.
Miguel Angel Herrera (not related) will be the man in charge of covering the Pumas forward.
Recently capped for the Mexico national team, this centre-back is characterized by his accuracy when passing the ball. After 11 appearances, his average completion equals 86 percent, plus he has made 42 clearances, 27 interceptions and 12 block, as reported by Squawka.
All stats appear courtesy of ESPN FC, unless otherwise noted.
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