Solving The Chivas Enigma, Transfers That Make Sense
Chivas failed to reach the Liguilla after getting pummeled by Pachuca 4-2 in their repechaje match. This has added to El Rebaños’ woes since their last championship under Matias Almeyda in the 2017 Clausura.
Guadalajara ended the season with 21 goals in favor, 21 goals against, and only three clean sheets. Their goal differential of zero placed them in 10th place out of 18 teams. Chivas ended the season with an XG of 1.38 and an XGA of 1.39, creating as many opportunities as they are giving up. It makes sense then that their issues lie both in the back and front lines. Macias, Vega, and Antuna only accounted for 10 of El Rebaños goals and seven assists.
ETO Fixes Chivas
So what can be done to get El Rebaño back on track? Chivas has already placed 13 players on the transfer list, mostly players from Tapatio, and have stated that they will stick with Vucetich for the upcoming season. However, due to the spending done the past two seasons, and lack of success, reports indicate their acquisition power may be diminished, so they may have to ball on a budget. Even if all 13 players are sold, using their Transfermarkt values Chivas would get about $8 million. Now let’s assume Pelaez and Vega can muster up an additional $20 million, leaving us with a budget of $28 million. With that budget we will try and bring in players that will get El Rebaño back to the promised land.
Defense
Chivas’ backline needs a rehaul, especially the fullbacks. The duo of Mayorga and Ponce produced 1 assist, 2 goals, and an average 14.5% crossing accuracy. Their defensive numbers aren’t that great either, averaging 55% of their duels won, 13 interceptions, and 19 tackles.
Our solutions are Ricardo Chavez of Atletico San Luis and Salvador Reyes of Puebla. These two would boost Chivas defensive numbers as they average 58.5% duels won, 18 interceptions, and 40.5 tackles, and would also make an immediate impact on the offensive end with their 35% crossing accuracy and 2 goals and assists between them. Chavez is valued at $1.65 million so the Chivas purchase price will be around $5 million. Reyes is valued at $2.20 million, so again the Chivas purchase price should be $6.5 million.
Bringing in an experienced CB to secure the middle of the defense would help as well, and sticking with the budget, Hugo Ayala of Tigres may be the answer. At $1.10 million, he would bring experience and great distribution to the backline. Chivas purchase price, $3 million.
Midfield
Again, looking at the numbers, the fact that Alexis Vega is Chivas leading assist man, means the midfield is inoperative. Nothing sums this up, like Vucetich lining up Brizuela at CM in their repechaje game vs Pachuca. A new CM and CDM would bring a much needed link between the lines. While Jesus Molina did contribute 3 goals and one assist, his 50 touches per game are low and his 84% pass accuracy ranks below average in the league.
Bringing in the duo of Luis Montes from Leon and Alan Cervantes of Santos may be the answer. Cervantes is 23 years old and brings 87% pass accuracy, 36 tackles, 27 interceptions, and 64 touches per game. His youth and movement will blend well with El Chapito in midfield. At 35 years old, Montes still ranks #1 in goal opportunities created, 86% pass accuracy, and more importantly, has 22.4 passes into the final third. Cervantes is valued at $3.85 million and Chapito at $1.54 million. Chivas purchase price would be $3 million for Montes and around $7 million for Cervantes.
Offense
Offensively, Chivas has the potential to be incredibly explosive. The moves we’ve made should free up Vega and Antuna to play like they did with the Olympic Tri, and JJ Macias will be more effective not having to drop down to get the ball. With that being said, some experienced players to rotate in the wide positions are needed.
For this, we will again go to San Luis for Pablo Barrera, and Queretaro for Angel Sepulveda. Sepulveda had a great season with Los Gallos Blancos with 6 goals, 3 assists, and a 28% cross accuracy. Barrera isn’t the juggernaut he once was, but had 2 assists on a lackluster Atletico San Luis squad, to go along with 61% successful dribbles, and 15% cross accuracy. Now 15% isn’t great, but again, on a team with better finishers his three crosses a game should result in more goals. Sepulveda is worth $1.65 million, Chivas asking price will be about $2.5 million. Barrera is rated at $880k, Chivas asking price will be about $1 million.
If any additional funds become available, maybe a swap-plus-money deal can be made to bring in an elite goalkeeper. While Gudiño and Rodriguez have been good at times, the goal of Chivas has historically had many legends protecting it, giving the rest of the team a sense of security.
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