Ranking the Top 10 Players from Liga MX in February 2015
March 4, 2015Ranking the Top 10 Players from Liga MX in February 2015
The second month of activity in the 2015 Clausura is over, and with that, we present to you 10 footballers who excelled in Matchdays 5 to 8.
From goalkeepers to forwards, February brought some intense and key matches in which Cruz Azul and Tijuana fought to secure the first place of the general table while Morelia and UNAM struggled to leave the bottom of the table.
There's still a long way to go. The Liga MX season is pending nine matchdays before the Liguilla, and the footballers need to either step up or keep their momentum going to have a chance to qualify for the playoffs.
Let's take a look at 10 players who really made a difference on the pitch in February.
10. Gerardo Flores (Cruz Azul)
Cruz Azul's right-back continues to display great performance in the 2015 Clausura—no wonder why Rogelio Chavez was relegated to the bench.
Gerardo Flores scored once in February—in La Maquina's defeat to Guadalajara at Estadio Azul.
He has been instrumental through the right flank, as he joins the attack easily thanks to his speed and fine touch.
Flores can send crosses or finish plays with the same ease.
9. Paulo da Silva (Toluca)
Paulo da Silva keeps proving why he is Toluca’s captain. The centre-back has put the ball away twice, showing that he is more than just a tough defender.
His powerful aerial game makes him a very valuable asset, especially on corner kicks. Da Silva has stood out despite his club’s shaky 3-3-2 record.
In Matchday 8, the defender put the ball away against Cruz Azul, which not only gave Diablos Rojos three points, but also meant the club’s first victory since Week 4.
8. Matias Vuoso (Chiapas)
Matias Vuoso is having a second chance in the Liga MX, and ever since he joined Chiapas, he has shown improvement.
Last season, he put the ball away four times in 18 appearances, while in the 2015 Clausura, he has bagged three goals in six games, with two of those goals coming in February.
His experience has also set him as a good leader, especially in the attack. If he keeps this pace going, Jaguares could very well become a contender for the title.
7. Moises Munoz (America)
America suffered a tough loss against Universidad de Guadalajara in Matchday 8 and were close to leaving Estadio Olimpico with a one-goal draw if it weren't for Moises Munoz.
The goalkeeper has made 28 saves and has four clean sheets, per FOX Sports. He has only allowed six goals in eight appearances.
Munoz has made crucial saves that have helped Las Aguilas reach the top three teams of the tournament as well as become the fourth-best defensive team, so far.
6. Diego Gonzalez (Santos Laguna)
Diego Gonzalez joined Santos Laguna for the 2015 Clausura tournament, and he has left a good impression so far.
He is a ferocious midfielder who knows how to keep the ball and pass it to his teammates, but also how to finish plays when coming from the right flank.
Gonzalez was instrumental in Matchday 6, when Santos secured one point at Estadio Nemesio Diez. The footballer put the ball away in the 92nd minute.
5. Gabriel Hauche (Tijuana)
Gabriel Hauche continues to amaze with his team and is currently one of the most consistent footballers, which is even more impressive since he only arrived in Tijuana this season.
Hauche put the ball away once last month, against Universidad de Guadalajara, which meant three points for his club.
His dribbling skills and fine touch set him as a very valuable forward for Xolos, especially since Dario Benedetto left for America.
4. Cirilo Saucedo (Tijuana)
Cirilo Saucedo has used his experience to lead Tijuana’s back line. He only allowed four goals in February.
The Xolos goalkeeper has made 31 saves and has three clean sheets during the season, per FOX Sports.
His quick reflexes have helped him save some key headers and long-distance shots. His recent form could earn him a spot with the Mexico national team.
3. Dario Benedetto (America)
In his last four appearances, Dario Benedetto has put the ball away three times, proving he is one of the most lethal forwards of the tournament.
Benedetto has made a fantastic partnership with Oribe Peralta—they have helped America become the third-best offensive team of the 2015 Clausura.
Benedetto played 312 minutes in February out of a possible 360.
2. Matias Alustiza (Puebla)
Matias Alustiza has appeared eight times and scored six goals in the 2015 Clausura. In February, he netted four of those—against Monterrey, Morelia and Queretaro (twice).
The Puebla forward has already surpassed his record in the previous tournament, when he was playing on a loan for Pachuca and secured five goals in 14 matches.
Alustiza is one goal shy from tying his scoring record. He bagged seven goals in the 2013 Apertura.
1. Julio Furch (Veracruz)
Julio Furch has been instrumental in helping Veracruz stay unbeaten after eight matchdays.
The Argentine leads the scorers' table with six goals in seven appearances, with three of them coming in Weeks 7 and 8.
Furch’s speed allows him to leave the rivals behind easily, while his talent makes him a threat every time he steps into the box.
All stats appear courtesy of ESPN FC, unless otherwise noted.