How Mexico Will Line Up Against Netherlands in International Friendly
On Wednesday, November 12, Mexico will face the Netherlands for the second time in the year, hoping not only to secure a victory, but also to take advantage of having the European-based footballers together.
The next time El Tri coach Miguel Herrera will have the chance to reunite those players will be in March, so El Piojo needs to make the most out of this opportunity.
He will have Carlos Vela at his service as well as the dos Santos brothers. Add Javier Hernandez, Andres Guardado and Hector Herrera to the mix, and the team should be very powerful in the attacking zone.
The back line could be shaky without Hector Moreno and Rafael Marquez, but Herrera has to figure out which players have what it takes to fill those voids, at least until both footballers make their comeback to the team.
Let's find out who should be the starting XI for this game.
Goalkeeper
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Guillermo Ochoa has secured the starting position with El Tri since this year's warm-ups for the World Cup.
The goalkeeper made quite an impact in his three-season tenure with Ajaccio, where he received the Player of the Year award in his first two tournaments.
Ochoa's quick reflexes and leadership were instrumental in helping Mexico reach the round of 16 in Brazil, where they met the Netherlands.
His performances in football's biggest fiesta secured him a spot with Malaga, and despite being the coach's second choice, Ochoa has been sharp with El Tri.
After the World Cup he has appeared against Chile (0-0), Honduras (2-0) and Panama (1-0), proving he still has what it takes despite the lack of playing time.
Defenders
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Paul Aguilar (RB): Paul Aguilar has been capped for El Tri 20 times since Miguel Herrera took over the team. He has appeared in 15 of them, 10 as a starter.
Aguilar is very skilled when it comes to balancing the defensive duties with joining the attack. During the 2014 World Cup he completed 75 percent of the passes he sent, he registered a 50 percent shot accuracy and made 18 clearances, five interceptions and two blocks.
In the 2014 Apertura, with America, Aguilar is not only an undisputed starter; he is also a game-changer. After 14 appearances he has put the ball away once and has created 12 goal opportunities, including two assists.
Miguel Angel Herrera (CB): Although he has seen the last four matchdays of the 2014 Apertura from the bench, Herrera has proved to be a reliable centre-back.
At age 25 the Pachuca footballer records a passing accuracy of 86 percent as well as 67 percent of aerial duels won.
He received his first three call-ups for El Tri last year but didn't play once. However, in 2014 he has appeared against Chile and Panama in the starting XI, making a good impression.
Julio Dominguez (CB): The Cruz Azul player had to wait five years to wear La Verde again. His first call-up came in 2007 under Hugo Sanchez's tenure. Two years later Sven-Goran Eriksson gave him another chance, but Dominguez never really excelled.
Now, with 18 Liga MX seasons under his belt, he has more experience and maturity to lead the back line, as it happens in his club.
La Maquina have the best defense of the 2014 Apertura tournament. They have conceded 12 goals in 15 appearances. Dominguez has been instrumental in his achievement.
He has won 60 percent of the duels in which he has been involved, his completion rate equals 87 percent and he has made 93 clearances and 28 interceptions.
Diego Reyes (CB): He may have the coach's trust, but if the Porto defender doesn't prove he is still in shape and ready to pour his heart on the pitch he can kiss goodbye his chance at playing in the first team, which will represent Mexico at next year's Gold Cup.
Reyes went through a fantastic moment when he played for America in 2013. He was an undisputed starter and ultimately won the Liga MX title with Las Aguilas.
His performances took him all the way to Europe, but he has barely played with Porto. His only leverage right now is his history with El Piojo.
Adrian Aldrete (LB): He is one of the best left-backs playing in the local league. He just won the Copa MX title with Santos Laguna, and he received his first call-up for the national team since El Piojo took over.
Aldrete is no stranger to El Tri. He has appeared in 13 friendlies as well as in one Gold Cup match—last year against El Salvador.
With Miguel Layun out of the picture, Aldrete must show he can carry the left flank in style. He shouldn't have any kind of trouble, mainly because he is flexible, fast and very technical.
He has created six goal opportunities in the 2014 Apertura tournament as well as completed 76 percent of the passes he has attempted.
Midfielders
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Hector Herrera (RM): He is the most consistent Mexican abroad. Herrera has appeared four times in the UEFA Champions League and has scored once.
He is an indisputable starter with Porto. This season he has played 342 minutes and completed 81 percent of the passes he was sent, according to WhoScored.
Herrera is a world-class footballer. He creates plays but also finishes them; it's no wonder why Miguel Herrera (not related) has trusted him with El Tri’s right flank.
His unbalancing moves combined with his speed set him as a threat for any defense he faces.
Jose Juan Vazquez (CM): The Leon footballer missed the games vs. Honduras and Panama due to an injury; however, El Gallito proved during this year's World Cup that he has what it takes to take over one of the toughest positions in El Piojo's 5-3-2 system.
Vazquez has played 12 games in the 2014 Apertura, in which he has scored once and commanded La Fiera's midfield.
He has created seven goal opportunities, he has completed 89 percent of the passes he has sent and has won 54 percent of the duels in which he has been involved.
His endurance and physical form are two of his most valuable assets.
Andres Guardado (LM): When his six-month transfer deal with Bayer Leverkusen came to an end, the Mexican left midfielder left for PSV.
With his new club he has gotten more playing time and is slowly getting to his old self. So far, Guardado has made six appearances in the Eredivisie, in which he has created five goal opportunities.
The Mexican has an 85 percent pass completion rate and has won more than half his duels.
Since El Piojo took over the team, Guardado has regained technique and speed, something El Tri lacked with Marco Fabian.
Forwards
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Carlos Vela: The return of Carlos Vela to the national team could be just what El Tri needed to finish plays.
Mexico has had a hard time in this department, but Vela's technique and vision will definitively be a great addition to the team.
Although the Real Sociedad forward hasn't had as much success as in previous seasons—he has only put the ball away once in 10 La Liga appearances—his creativity will be a turning point for Mexico.
If he makes a good partnership with Javier Hernandez this will be one of the most lethal offensives El Tri has ever had.
Javier Hernandez: Chicharito has already proved his worth with Mexico. He is the third-best scorer of the team, with a total tally of 37 goals to his name.
Hernandez is a natural fox in the box. His mobility and speed set him as a threat for any defense no matter if he is playing for Real Madrid or Mexico.
With his club he has scored three times in four appearances, but what is more impressive is that he has only played 145 minutes in La Liga.
The real question for this game is if he can create goal opportunities with Vela by his side.
Subs
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Here is the rest of Miguel Herrera's 22-man list.
Goalkeeper: Alfredo Talavera
Defenders: Enrique Perez, Miguel Ponce, Oswaldo Alanis, Luis Venegas and George Corral.
Midfielders: Jonathan dos Santos, Arturo Gonzalez and Jesus Manuel Corona.
Forwards: Raul Jimenez and Giovani dos Santos.
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