5 “Next Big Thing” That Scored in El Clasico then Fizzled Out
Scoring in Clasico can be a launching pad for a young player’s career. Shinning in a clutch moment when everybody’s watching can do amazing things for a career, however, it can also bring pressure and unattainable expectations. Here are a few examples of young players who scored in the Clasico then had their careers fizzle out.
5.Omar Arrellano
Arellano came from a family of Chivas players, his dad and grandfather both played and won championships with El Rebano. La Pina debuted for Pachuca against Chivas and was later purchased to reinvigorate Guadalajara’s attack. He did just that at the Apertura 08, when he scored twice in the mythical Estadio Azteca to clinch the 2-1 victory for Chivas. Two years later, La Pina again scored the game-winner vs America in the Bicentenario tournament. While Arellano had his two moments in the Clasico, he never lived up to expectations.
4.Juan Carlos Silva
Silva came up thru the ranks at Coapa and broke into the main roster early. El Torito was a member of the U-17 team that won the U-17 championship, though he had limited playing time. Silva was projected as the next big thing having the skill set to cover both defensive midfield and attacking midfield positions. He made his debut on one of the worst America teams and soon left his mark. In the Apertura 2007, he scored two goals against the hated rival at only 19. He would only score one more goal in his America career, now 13 teams later, its safe to say El Torito fizzled out.
3.Eric Torres
Torres debuted in 2011 and made an impact in his 1st Clasico. In the inaugural Clasico at the new Omnilife Stadium, El Cubo needed only 27 minutes to score via diving header past Ochoa. Torres wasn’t done though, as he also tallied up an assist on Marco Fabians golazo. El Cubo is now on his sixth team and is trying to make an impact for Xolos. At 27 he still has time to make an impact, but for the man tabbed to be the next Chicharito, the never lived up to the hype.
2.Antonio Gallardo
Gallardo was once considered a Joya for Chivas or young promise. He debuted for El Rebano in 2011 and had a good start to his career. Unfortunately, it seemed to climax at the Clasico when his palomita opened up the score in what would ultimately be a 3-1 victory for Chivas. Gallardo only played one additional season with Chivas and after two unsuccessful loan spells, practically retired at age 29.
1.Francisco Javier Torres
Torres debuted for America in 2002 and made an immediate impact for las Aguilas. In just his 3rd game as a professional, Paco scored a Golazo to tie the 2003 edition of El Clasico. After that, the Mexican media hype machine named him the next big thing. Torres vanished over the next season until he made a brief appearance in the Clausura 2005 Semis where he scored a goal. 15 years later Torres is still active but never quite lived up to the build-up the media gave him.
