5 Players Set to Impress in 2015 Clausura
The 2015 Clausura is underway, and five players are ready to make quite an impression, regardless of their position or nationality.
Some of them are new to the Liga MX or are playing for a new team. Others are hoping to keep the momentum going or leave certain injuries behind.
In a year in which CONCACAF and CONMEBOL have competitions scheduled—Gold Cup and Copa America, respectively—the players must prove their worth to make their national teams.
Let's take a look at five footballers who are set to shine in the Mexican league.
Darwin Quintero (America)
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New team and new opportunities for Darwin Quintero.
The former Santos Laguna footballer debuted with America in Matchday 1, and he did it in style.
Quintero scored Las Aguilas' winner against Leon, proving that he is ready to partner with Oribe Peralta, just as he did from 2009 to 2014 when both played for Los Guerreros.
Overall, the Colombian shot twice and completed four crosses.
His speed and dribbling skills were instrumental in helping America have more depth and scoring options.
Fidel Martinez (Universidad de Guadalajara)
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Fidel Martinez is currently playing in his second tournament with Universidad de Guadalajara after a successful two-year stint with Tijuana.
Martinez was a cornerstone for Leones Negros in the 2014 Apertura, as he put the ball away four times, giving him more goals than any of his teammates.
This season, the squad needs to secure as many points as possible because the club that finishes last will be relegated to Ascenso MX.
Martinez is more committed than ever. He scored the only goal in Universidad de Guadalajara's victory over Monterrey, which also meant extending the club's undefeated streak to eight games.
Eduardo Herrera (UNAM)
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Eduardo Herrera is hoping to play as well as he did in the 2014 Apertura tournament in order to get a chance to show off his skills with Mexico national team.
The Pumas footballer put the ball away nine times last season, becoming his side's top scorer as well as the most successful Mexican striker of the tournament (along with Oribe Peralta).
Although Herrera couldn't do much to help Pumas secure their first victory of the 2015 Clausura, he has the body and accuracy to leave defenders behind and surprise the goalkeeper.
He will be a cornerstone in UNAM's starting XI, again.
Roque Santa Cruz (Cruz Azul)
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Roque Santa Cruz came to Cruz Azul after the team decided to release Mariano Pavone, a very surprising move since the Argentinean put the ball away four times, more than any of his teammates.
Santa Cruz didn't score in his debut, but he surely helped La Maquina along the way. The Paraguayan assisted Joao Rojas in the club's 1-0 victory over Pachuca.
There is no doubt Santa Cruz arrived in Cruz Azul at a fantastic moment in his career. As soon as he gets used to the Liga MX, which shouldn't take him long, we will see him performing at his best level.
Since his professional debut in 1997 with Olimpia Asuncion, he has scored at least once with all the teams he has played for.
Hiram Mier (Monterrey)
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Hiram Mier is one of the most reliable centre-backs in the Liga MX, which should guarantee him a spot with the Mexico national team.
However, the Monterrey defender suffered a couple of knee injuries last year, which left him out of the World Cup and last year's friendlies.
But Mier is back on track with Rayados, and if he keeps working hard and proving he belongs with El Tri, he will appear either in the Copa America or the Gold Cup.
He is a ferocious footballer who covers in style and joins the attack when needed. He can play in the center of the box or through the right flank with the same success.
All stats appear courtesy of ESPN FC and Fox Sports.com, unless otherwise noted.
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