El Tri’s Next Generation
As El Tri’s U-17 team gets ready to face the Netherlands in the semifinals of FIFA U-17 World Cup, now is a good time to check out which players we might see staring for El Tri in the future.
Efrain Alvarez-17
At his young age, Alvarez has played 14 games with LA Galaxy’s first team and tallied three assists. Currently, Alvarez is leading El Tri in this years U-17 World Cup with three goals and two assists. While “Efra” can be a viable option as a wing, he has excelled in the past three games playing behind the forward as a creative attacking midfielder in “El Chima” Ruiz’ scheme. From this position he can better use his passing ability, his ability to make deep runs and make better use of his long range shot.
Eugenio Pizzuto-17
Pizzuto was a surprise callup to El Tata’s August squad for the Concacaf Nations League. Pizzuto has been on the radar since 2018 when he helped Mexico win the Cuatro Naciones Tournament beating Argentina 2-0 in the final, and winning Best Player in the tournament. Pizzuto got off to a rough start this tournament but has since found his footing being paired with Huerta to anchor the Mexican midfield. If Pizzuto continues on his current track he might be able to pair with Edson Alvarez and set the Mexican midfield for years to come.
Bruce El-Mesmari-17
El-Mesmari dazzled in the aforementioned Cuatro Naciones Tournament, scoring on El Tri’s next opponent twice, and netting a goal against Argentina as well. While he has had early struggles at this World Cup, he seems to be finding his footing at just the right time for El Tri. His runs from the wings and ability to find the net will be crucial to El Tri’s hopes of lifting the cup again.
Jesus Alejandro Gomez-17
Gomez is a versatile defender who can play both as a center back or left back. He has been solid for El Tri in this tournament stabilizing a back line that has allowed only two goals in five games. Gomez is a vulture in the box when he goes up on set piece plays, scoring twice in the tournament off of loose balls in the box. He will look to follow the path of previous Atlas center backs and hope his career takes him the way of Rafa Marquez and not the way of the struggling Pollo Briseño.
This generation of players will look to bring Mexico its third championship in the category and provide a solid foundation for El Tri for years to come.
