Hector Herrera Struggling to Make Impact for Mexico at Gold Cup
Mexico's campaign at the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup will culminate in the final on Sunday against Jamaica in Philadelphia. Victory would mean a record seventh continental title for El Tri, who have been under pressure all month to reclaim the trophy for the first time since 2011.
But although reaching a major tournament final would normally imply that Mexico have played well, the opposite has largely been true. Despite staying unbeaten, El Tri have often been unconvincing in attack, defense or both. While the blame should go to the whole team, midfielder Hector Herrera is one individual whose performances have not matched his skill level this summer.
Before the tournament, Cesar Hernandez argued at MLSSoccer.com that Herrera, at his best, "is arguably the best player in North America." So what has happened to the talented 25-year-old midfielder during the Gold Cup?
As Mexico started the tournament, manager Miguel "El Piojo" Herrera deployed his team in a 4-4-2 formation. He did so out of necessity following an injury to key center back Hector Moreno. In the four-man midfield, Hector Herrera played out wide on the right, a position that limited his ability to create opportunities for his teammates and break down opposing defenses.
He improved somewhat in the next game, a wild 4-4 draw with Trinidad and Tobago. But in the first two knockout-stage matches against Costa Rica and Panama, Herrera's influence paled in comparison to that of captain Andres Guardado.
Without an effective Herrera in midfield, Mexico suffered. El Tri were unable to create much danger against Panama for the 90 minutes of regular time and needed a controversial penalty decision to send the match to extra time. El Piojo vented his frustration afterward, telling Reuters: "The fact is we didn't deserve to win the match because we didn't play at all well."
Fortunately for Mexico, Wednesday's performance against Panama should have no bearing on Sunday's final against Jamaica. Despite playing poorly, El Tri need only one more win to claim the title. Similarly, Herrera has a chance to redeem himself after a disappointing tournament with a strong showing in Philadelphia.
There's no doubting his talent. During the 2013-14 season, his second with Portuguese giants Porto, Herrera excelled in his preferred central-midfield position, helping his side reach the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals.
After Herrera reportedly drew interest from Napoli, Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, Porto reportedly held firm to their €40 million valuation of the midfielder, according to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo (via ESPN FC). (Transfermarkt places Herrera's market value at €16.5 million and rising.)
When he plays his best, Herrera is certainly one of Mexico's—and CONCACAF's—top players. So far at the Gold Cup, the 25-year-old midfielder has not lived up to that billing, but the final will provide a perfect opportunity to do so at an ideal time for El Tri.
Follow @MiguelCominguez
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