5 Mexico Players to Watch in International Friendly vs. United States

The ultimate CONCACAF rivalry match is almost here, as Mexico and the United States are preparing for their annual showdown on April 15. 

This will be the second time coach Miguel Herrera faces the USMNT. A year ago, El Tri rescued a 2-2 draw in the second half.

El Piojo tried to persuade Malaga and Porto to let Guillermo Ochoa and Diego Reyes, respectively, to join El Tri, but the clubs declined, per Fox Sports (in Spanish).

So next week, he will face Mexico's archenemy with a squad full of Liga MX players.

Jurgen Damm

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Jurgen Damm is one of the most promising Mexican footballers, and the fans can't wait to see him play.

The Pachuca footballer made his debut with El Tri last month. However, he only played six minutes. He was expected to start against Paraguay, but an ankle injury sidelined him.

Now, Damm is anxious to prove himself and show the people he belongs with the national team, as he told Fox Deportes (in Spanish).

George Corral

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George Corral was supposed to make his debut with Mexico last year, but an injury forced Herrera to send him back to his club.

Now, the Queretaro defender has another chance to fight for a spot with a team that will play at the Gold Cup and Copa America.

Corral has become a key piece in Gallos Blancos' back line, making nine starts in 10 Liga MX games.

Since Herrera has been having a tough time finding the right men for the defense, Corral's chances of becoming a regular are good.

Carlos Salcedo

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Carlos Salcedo arrived in Guadalajara after a two-year stint with Real Salt Lake. He is one of the players Jose Manuel de la Torre brought on to save Chivas from relegation.

So far, Salcedo's performance in the Liga MX has been refreshing. Despite being a 21-year-old, he has made 11 starts and has put the ball away once.

He is great with tackles, and his aerial game is sharp. He should be a great addition to Mexico's defensive line, especially since the European-based footballers won't appear.

Cirilo Saucedo

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Two years after his first stint with Mexico, Cirilo Saucedo will be wearing an El Tri jersey again.

The Tijuana goalkeeper has only played with Mexico once, but his recent form has earned him his first chance to prove himself since Herrera took over the squad.

Saucedo has fantastic reflexes, plus his aerial game is superb. One of his many strengths is his ability to play with his feet, which El Piojo usually looks for in his goalkeepers.

Saucedo needs to make a good impression, because this position is not a problem for Mexico. El Tri usually has a bunch of great keepers to pick from.

Luis Montes

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After breaking his leg in a friendly against Ecuador in 2014, Luis Montes is back on the national team.

Montes reappeared in the Liga MX in Matchday 5, but he came in as a sub. He started his first game since the injury four weeks later.

After four matches in Leon's starting XI, Montes has already scored twice.

He has proven himself with El Tri, and his powerful long-distance shot will be instrumental for the team, as they lack someone who can surprise the rival goalkeepers from outside the box.

Also, he has fantastic ball possession and the fine touch to make key passes.

All stats appear courtesy of ESPN FC.

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