Who will step up for El Tri?

With the Gold Cup just 12 days away, many questions still surround the Mexican National team. El Tri has been making headlines since the announcement of their preliminary roster with notable names being left off and in recent days with injures sidelining others. With big names not attending is El Tri in trouble. In short, no. El Tata has a very talented roster at his disposal, and young players now have an opportunity to make an impact.

While no one has the in-box prowess of Chicharito, Raul Jimenez has shown an instinct for being in the right place at the right time and clinical finishing becoming a breakout star in the English Premier League. However, if Jimenez struggles, young up and comers Alexis Vega and Uriel Antuna will be chomping at the bit to make an impact. Vega is coming off a down season with Chivas, but showed a killer instinct while at Toluca, and will be hungry to prove that last season was a fluke. Antuna, on the other hand, is a youngster that has been making his way up in the L.A. Galaxy system and has made an impact this season. His work ethic and persistence are reminiscent of El Tri Legend, Luis “Matador” Hernandez, and might give the team a shot of adrenaline and heart if called on.

With Herrera out, look for Jonathan Dos Santos and Luis “Chapito” Montes, to make an impact in the midfield. Montes is coming off maybe his best season since his gruesome injury in 2014, as the General of Leon during their record-breaking run. Dos Santos will look to get out of the shadow of his elder brother who for years has been in the limelight. He is having a great season with the Galaxy to the point that Zlatan Ibrahimović has referred to him as the motor of the team.

With offensive wings, Lozano and Corona out of the tournament, look For Monterrey’s Rodolfo Pizarro to step in. While not as explosive as Chucky or elusive as Tecatito, Pizarro has had a great season and will look to become a great partner for Jimenez both with key passes and scoring himself.

The big question for El Tata will be who will replace Miguel Layun down the wing. Not only has Layun been a good wing defender but has offensive qualities that will be missed. This might open the door for Jorge Sanchez, the youngster from America, has shown great potential, and playing in El Piojo’s system, which encourages wide backs going forward, might have groomed him to make an impact in El Tri.

The upcoming friendlies against Venezuela and Ecuador should give us a glimpse into what El Tata has prepared for the Gold Cup, and we will be anxious to see who has a breakout tournament. For the good of Mexican soccer, hopefully, it will be more than one.