Why Miguel Herrera Must Not Call Up Carlos Vela to Mexico Squad

Mexico is set to face the Netherlands and Belarus next month. Both matches will take place in Europe, which makes it easier for the Mexicans playing abroad to join the team—not Carlos Vela, though.

In September, Miguel Herrera said to ESPN (h/t FourFourTwo) that he would give the Real Sociedad forward the chance to join the team after a three-year hiatus. The last time Vela wore "La Verde" was in a friendly against Venezuela, in March 2011.

The player talked about the matter in a press conference, with his comments passed on by Inside Spanish Football: "So far I have not spoken to anyone and I don't think this is the time to talk about the national team because we are in a delicate situation on our club now, and I'm just thinking in getting back to my best level, because if you're not at your best, you aren't useful anywhere."

So far, Vela has refused to play for El Tri three times. The first one when he asked not to be capped for the squad that would represent Mexico in the 2012 Summer Olympics, per Goal.com.

Then, when Jose Manuel de la Torre was still in command, Vela also opted out from the senior team that would play the Hexagonal, due to personal issues, via Goal.com. 

Last but not least, when Herrera took over the team, Vela shared a letter in Spanish in which he said that mentally he wasn't 100 percent to represent or be part of the squad.

Ultimately, Mexico arrived in Brazil to surprise the world, thanks to a whole new mindset and playing strategy. The players poured out their hearts and worked Herrera's 3-5-2 beautifully.

The team was flexible, adapting the defense to a five-man line in games that demanded more focus in the back bone (vs. Brazil), and letting Miguel Layun and Paul Aguilar (full-backs) join the attack to push their rivals (vs. Croatia).

The squad's performance was a complete surprise due to their disgraceful qualification process, which included a combination of results (including a 3-1 U.S. win over Panama) and a two-legged playoff against New Zealand.

Herrera capped 10 America footballers, plus some others from Leon (the then Liga MX champions) to secure the World Cup ticket; after that, he finally called players from other clubs, including those who were abroad.

In that surprising and refreshing World Cup performance Vela wasn't involved. He wouldn't have prevented the events that led to Mexico's elimination.

Sure, back then he was the best Mexican footballer, period. He scored 16 goals, created 78 goal opportunities and completed 79 percent of his passes, in 36 La Liga appearances, according to Squawka.

He was instrumental in his club's qualification to the 2013/14 UEFA Champions League. He put the ball away twice in the second-leg of the playoff versus Lyon.

Those numbers are in the past, so why bring a player who, in his own words, is not going through his best moment? There are plenty of youngsters in the Liga MX and abroad proving themselves week in week out.

Erick Torres is a fine example of hard work and consistency. As soon as he arrived at Chivas USA he made a difference. After 43 appearances, Torres has put the ball away 22 times, 15 of those in the 2014 season, as per the MLS.

What about Javier Hernandez? Chicharito shook off a lot of pressure during the World Cup. He netted for El Tri after a one-year scoreless streak in the 3-1 victory over Croatia. After that, he put the ball away in the friendly versus Honduras, held earlier this month.

Don't forget Oribe Peralta (America), who has four goals in the 2014 Apertura, and Javier Orozco (Santos Laguna), his team's top scorer in the current season. 

There are some youngsters who have yet to receive the call, but who have been key figures with their clubs.

Take for instance Jesus Manuel Corona, who's playing for Twente. This season, he has appeared five times and has put the ball away twice. He also has a 75 percent shooting accuracy and has completed 85 percent of his passes, according to Squawka.

Christian Palma/Associated Press

Vela would be a fantastic addition to the team—after all, he has proven to be the real deal. But enough is enough.

There's plenty of talent out there. Mexico won't become a super power just because the Real Sociedad forward joined the squad.

El Tri have come a long way, and having Herrera on the bench was a pretty good decision. The staff should focus on putting together a team with players that are willing to give their 100 percent on the pitch, regardless of their name.

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