International soccer has already returned in Europe with the UEFA Nations League and soon it will be Concacaf’s turn. Mexico and Costa Rica will square off in the Estadio Azteca on Sept. 30 for a friendly. It has been some time since the reigning Concacaf champions have played with Mexico’s last international match being in November. Here is the potential Mexico starting XI 2020 to look forward to.
While it is unlikely that the best of the best will participate in a friendly, it’s still fun to see the full fire power Mexico has to offer.
Potential Mexico Starting XI 2020
Goalkeeper
Guillermo Ochoa — He is the man who doesn’t age or lose his touch. At 35 years old, Ochoa still shows elite skills in goal and is Mexico’s No. 1. After spending two seasons in Belgium and lifting a Belgian Cup, he returned to Club América in 2019.
Other options in goal for Mexico are Jonathan Orozco, Hugo González and Raúl Gudiño.
Center Backs
Héctor Moreno — A veteran in defense, Moreno is one of many solid picks for center back in this Mexico side. After spending over 10 seasons in Europe with the likes of Real Sociedad, PSV and Espanyol, Moreno made history as the first Mexican to play in the Qatar Stars League. He also made nine appearances for Mexico in 2019.
Néstor Araujo — Joining Moreno in the backline is Araujo. The 29-year-old started nearly every game for Celta Vigo in the 2019-20 season and even managed to net a goal. Despite Celta Vigo not having its best season, Araujo helped the club avoid relegation from LaLiga.
Mexico isn’t short on options in defense with Carlos Salcedo, Edson Álvarez and César Montes at the ready.
Left Back
Jesús Gallardo — The versatile left back and winger has become a mainstay for Mexico. Gallardo has made over 40 appearances for the national team in the past three years and doesn’t show any signs of slowing. He plays with Monterrey in Liga MX.
Another versatile option at the position is Gallardo’s soon-to-be club teammate Miguel Layún. Similar to Gallardo, Layún can play in defense and attack. Layún can also play on the left or the right.
Right Back
Jesús “Tecatito” Corona — One of the many Mexicans playing abroad on this list, Corona has been enjoying his time for Porto. He was named the Portuguese league’s MVP for last season as he helped Porto win the league and cup. Similar to his other comrades playing at left back he can also play in attack as a winger. His play with Porto has attracted the eye of Premier League side Wolverhampton.
Also available at right back is Tigres’ Luis Rodríguez, who started in the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup final where Mexico defeated the U.S. 1-0.
Midfielders
Héctor Herrera — One of the big names in the squad, Herrera is one of the most experienced players on the roster and captained the team in a pair of Concacaf Nations League matches. Playing for one of best club in Europe, Atlético Madrid, also boosts your name quite a bit. Herrera made 21 LaLiga appearances in his first season with Atletí and scored a 90th-minute equalizer against Juventus in the Champions League on his debut.
Andrés Guardado — The man pulling the strings in the middle of the field and Mexico’s captain, Guardado is another veteran for the team. With over 150 caps for his country he is the guy you want in the midfield.
Rodolfo Pizarro — Typically a forward, Pizarro would play as an attacking midfielder in this Mexico starting XI similar to how he does for Inter Miami. While Pizarro is still getting his feet wet in MLS, he has had some success with Mexico and scored against Panama in the Nations League this past October.
Other players in contention for starting spots in the midfield are Erick Gutiérrez, Jonathon dos Santos, Carlos Rodríguez and Érick Aguirre.
Left Wing
Hirving “Chucky” Lozano — Mexico’s wonder-boy, Lozano is perhaps the team’s deadliest weapon. After briefly being Napoli’s most expensive transfer of all time, Lozano has caught the eyes of Everton and Manchester United after one season in Serie A. He will hope to recapture his scoring form he had with PSV in previous seasons. No one in Mexico will ever be too hard on him after his historic game-winning goal against Germany in the 2018 World Cup.
Right Wing
Carlos Vela (When healthy) — The reigning MLS MVP and record single-season goal scorer is — like many of us — having a forgettable 2020. After choosing to forgo the “MLS Is Back” Tournament he then proceeded to suffer a sprain in his left knee less than an hour into his first game back with LAFC. When he’s at full health, Vela is star for LAFC and Mexico.
Other potential wingers include Diego Lainez, Orbelín Pineda and Uriel Antuna.
Striker
Raúl Jiménez — He is the best striker in all of Concacaf. The Wolverhampton man tore up the Premier League scoring 17 goals last season and 27 in all competitions. A lethal attacker, Jiménez has scored 24 goals for Mexico and will look to boost those numbers. In 2019 he made 12 appearances for his country and scored eight goals. He makes any USMNT fan scared, jealous, angry or a combination of all of those emotions.
Two other options at striker include the old guard and the new blood. Mexico’s all-time leading goal scorer Chicharito still has some gas left in the tank at 32 years old. The country’s next striker could be 20-year-old José Juan Macías or simply J.J. Macías. The youngster was given the green light in 2019 to play for the national team and in five appearances scored four goals.
