5 Prospects Mexico Coach Miguel Herrera Is Eyeing for El Tri's Upcoming Matches

Miguel Herrera will need new blood to complete two competitive squads for the Copa America and Gold Cup. In order to do so, he has been watching at least 55 players for the upcoming friendly matches.

In an interview with ESPN (in Spanish), he named three of his prospects and acknowledged that they will make the list.

Later, in a press conference, Herrera revealed 35 other footballers whom he is keen to call, per MedioTiempo.com (in Spanish).

From that huge pool of talent, here are five players who deserve to be capped first. None of them have ever worn La Verde but are definitely ready to make a difference on the pitch.

Let's take a look.

Edgar Meliton Hernandez (Veracruz)

Claudio Cruz/Associated Press

At age 32, Edgar Meliton Hernandez has shown that he deserves a chance to play with Mexico.

Hernandez has been playing with Veracruz since the 2013 Apertura tournament. Previously, he was second goalkeeper for several clubs, including Leon and Toluca.

This season, the goalie has made 17 saves in six appearances and has allowed four goals. He has also recorded two clean sheets.

His performance has been instrumental in helping Veracruz secure the fifth spot in the general table, which will help the Tiburones Rojos in the race to avoid relegation.

Eduardo Herrera (UNAM)

Christian Palma/Associated Press

Eduardo Herrera is the kind of player who took a little too much time to develop—but the wait was worth it.

He is a 25-year-old who didn't play for Mexico's youth squads; instead, he worked his way through the ranks of Pumas.

He debuted in 2011 at 23 years old and has been a thriving force for UNAM's attack ever since.

The 2014 Apertura has been his most successful season, as he put the ball away nine times in 17 appearances, becoming the best Mexican striker of the Liga MX (along with Oribe Peralta).

Herrera is a powerful striker who can leave defenders behind easily and take advantage of his height (6'2'') on set pieces.

Diego Gama (Atletico Madrid B)

Diego Gama was a cornerstone of Toluca's U20 squad. He played 11 times and scored seven goals for the team.

He eventually debuted with Toluca's senior squad (2014) but soon after landed a deal (in Spanish) with Atletico Madrid's B-team.

Gama has already scored five times with his new club, including one against Malmo on Matchday 4 of the UEFA Youth League.

He is an elusive forward with fantastic passing and shooting skills. He can put the ball away from outside the box or at close range.

Luis Rodriguez (Chiapas)

Luis Rodriguez has been one of Chiapas' top men since he joined the club in 2013.

El Chaka is a skillful left-back who can join the attack easily. His speed and dribbling abilities make him a threat whenever he steps into the last third of the pitch.

In the 2014 Apertura he recorded three assists, while in the current tournament he already has one to his name. 

Plus, he is a strong defender who doesn't leave his primary role unattended. He could be a perfect sub for Miguel Layun.

William Yarbrough (Leon)

Christian Palma/Associated Press

Although Guillermo Ochoa has been Miguel Herrera's first choice since the 2014 World Cup, Mexico will need at least four goalkeepers for 2015.

Ochoa and Alfredo Talavera seem to have their tickets for the Gold Cup and Copa America squads secured, but El Tri still needs subs.

This is where Leon goalie William Yarbrough comes in handy.

He has proven to be back to his old self after a shaky 2014 Apertura which included a fractured finger.

After six appearances in the 2015 Clausura, Yarbrough has made 16 saves with one clean sheet. If he can keep the momentum going, we will definitely see him wearing La Verde.

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

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