Why Confidence Can Help Mexico Striker Javier Hernandez Reach His True Potential

Last Saturday, Javier Hernandez played his first full match since December 2014, and he did in style. The Mexico striker scored the winner against Ecuador.

Chicharito hadn't put the ball away in the past 135 days. The last time he netted was against the Netherlands in November 2014.

Hernandez proved yet again that he is the kind of player who can change a game in the blink of an eye, still he's not getting playing time with Real Madrid.

In an interview with Fox Sports, the Mexican recognized he's frustrated and feels like he only needs someone to trust him to prove his worth, per The Guardian.

Are Hernandez's declarations true? Actually, they are.

When he was promoted to Guadalajara's first team, he was an 18-year old kid. Although he made his debut in the 2006 Apertura tournament, Hernandez didn't start a single game.

Between the 2006 Apertura and the 2008 Apertura, he played under Jose Manuel de la Torre and Efrain Flores.

It was the latter who gave him a shot, but not before Hernandez had stayed on the bench for almost two seasons.

Chicharito paid back quickly. He scored in his first game as a starter, against Necaxa, helping Chivas secure a one-goal draw.

In the 2009 Clausura, he started seven games and was subbed on in eight more. Overall, he scored four times, his best record since his debut.

In the following tournament, he netted 11 times in 17 starts, despite Guadalajara's constant managerial changes. The team had three coaches in the 2009 Apertura: Francisco Ramirez, Raul Arias and Jose Luis Real.

In the 2010 Bicentenario tournament, Chicharito went again with double digits, as he put the ball away 10 times in 11 games, which helped him secure the top-scorer honors.

He didn't play more in that season because he left for Europe to sign his contract with Manchester United and to play the 2010 World Cup, where he scored twice.

Once in England, there wasn't much information about him and the local media outlets basically reported the same: first Mexican to sign with the Red Devils, good scoring ratio at club level, but nothing else.

Hernandez proved his worth quickly. Alex Ferguson gave him his first real chance in the 2010 Community Shield, and he responded by scoring once in the 1-3 win.

JON SUPER/Associated Press

He then went to put the ball away in the Champions League in his sixth appearance, which gave Manchester United a 1-0 win over Valencia.

That season, Chicharito secured the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award, he scored 20 times and appeared in the Champions League final.

His second season wasn't as good, mainly because he suffered a couple of injuries that sidelined him for several weeks, as reported by The Guardian.

Despite it all, Hernandez managed to net 12 times in 36 appearances (22 starts).

Chicharito returned to his old self in the 2012-13 season, with a total tally of 18 goals in 36 appearances.

However, Ferguson's departure doomed the striker, as David Moyes didn't use him as much. Hernandez only started 13 times, fewer than in any other season with Manchester United.

Moyes' lack of success with the team opened the door for Louis Van Gaal, which meant a new chance for Chicharito.

In the meantime, the Mexican travelled to Brazil to play for El Tri in the World Cup. His lack of play with the Red Devils could have been enough reason to leave him out, but Miguel Herrera trusted the footballer.

Ultimately, Hernandez delivered. He put the ball away in Mexico's 3-1 win over Croatia, which also marked his first goal with the national team in a year.

Back with his club, it was pretty clear that Hernandez wasn't in the coach's mind. He appeared seven times before being loaned to Real Madrid.

In all fairness, it was tough to picture the Mexican starting for Los Blancos, but as a sub maybe the story could be different…but it wasn't.

Although he scored his first brace in his third appearance, the lack of playing time put him in a tricky position.

After six months, Chicharito has started four games and come in as a sub in 15 more, but he hardly ever gets more than 10 or 15 minutes on the pitch.

His lack of success, if it can be called that, has nothing to do with him or the league where he plays. If he can find a middle-table team, which can promise him that he'll be a starter, then we will see his true potential.

The upcoming Gold Cup will be instrumental for Hernandez. If he manages to put a good show, he can become Mexico's all-time scorer, and that could land him a spot in another club.

We are talking about a breaking point right now. At age 26, he is in the perfect moment to make a 180 turn in his career and become the footballer he is expected to be.

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