Next Man Up: Who Can Fill Raul Jimenez’ Spot on El Tri?
Unfortunately, Jimenez suffered a severe head injury earlier in this Premier League, and while he is making amazing progress, his return to the fields is uncertain. While El Tri Online remains optimistic and hopes El Lobo will return to the field stronger than ever, we ask the question, who can replace Raul in El Tata’s Tri.
Will Henry Martin Step Up or Crumble Under The Pressure?
Henry Martin’s time has come. Everything is lining up for the America striker to have a breakout season for club and country. He looks to be a pivotal piece in new coach Solari’s attack and now can be Tata’s number 9. Last season wasn’t Martin’s best only scoring eight goals and having one assist, but his blue-collar style of play was evident with averaging over 50% in tackles won, ariel duels, and duels won. He will be ideal in Tata’s squad which likes to pressure high.
JJ Can Finally Live Up To The Hype
It’s hard to say if anyone in Liga MX has been under the microscope as much as JJ Macias. Since his breakout season at Leon, Chivahermanos have been waiting for Macias to become their next epic striker. Macias has yet to break out with El Rebano scoring only six times in 17 games last season. Macias has become a better passer since joining Chivas but needs to develop his aerial game and shot accuracy. However, his speed and mobility may be what draws Tata to Macias, while on the counterattack, his velocity will mesh well with El Tecatito and El Chucky.
Chivas’ Work Horse May Be The Answer
A dark horse in this conversation may be Macias’ teammate Alexis Vega. Vega has been a workhorse with Guadalajara tallying up five assists and two goals last campaign. While those numbers aren’t jawdropping, his 92% tackles won and 81% pass accuracy are. In a false 9 role, Vega can excel under El Tata, especially with the aforementioned wings that are an upgrade from Vega’s current teammates.
The Man to The North Deserves a Look
Aside from Cracklitos Vela, many look down on Mexican players in the MLS. However, Alan Pulido has had a great season since moving to Sporting KC. While his season was cut short by the global pandemic and injuries, he did spark Sportings playoff run with six goals and five assists, averaging a stunning 75% shot accuracy in the process. Pulido has been highly criticized throughout his career, but if he can recreate these numbers for El Tri, he can quite his detractors.
An Outside The Box Option
With the high level of scrutiny that naturalizados face while playing for El Tri, it’s astonishing that many are willing to do it. With this in mind, Monterrey’s Rogelio Funes Mori may be the answer for El Tata. While both have been mum on the subject, Tata may give Funes Mori a go. Again, he isn’t coming off his best season, but his numbers speak for themselves. On a lackluster Rayados side, Funes Mori had six goals, three assists, and a 73% pass accuracy. Not to mention he averaged over 60% in aerial duels won, duels won and tackles won, which fit El Tata’s high press beautifully. Will Tata make the call, only time will tell.
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