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Having played for Mexico at the 2015 U-20 World Cup in New Zealand and having smoothly transitioned from Queretaro to Chivas in Liga MX, it was widely reported that Orbelin Pineda would make the natural progression to El Tri’s U-23 setup for the Olympic Games. However, Pineda, still only 20 years old, was omitted from Mexico’s roster for the Rio Games.
After a promising debut for Chivas during the 2016 Clausura, Pineda is resigned to focusing on his first Apertura season with the Guadalajara club. On Sunday, Chivas and Pineda laid down a marker for the 2016 Apertura by defeating Veracruz 2-0 in the Supercopa MX.
Chivas have made no secret of their desire to become the first Mexican side to win the Copa Libertadores, and they’ve now secured passage to the 2017 tournament. Key to defeating Veracruz was the performance of Pineda, who netted the game's opening goal in the 44th minute.
| #SuperCopaMX GOOOOOL Orbelín Pineda abre el marcador para @Chivas con este golazo https://t.co/yK3PNO6rLQ
— Univision Deportes (@UnivisionSports) July 10, 2016
The 5’6’’ midfielder has been touted as one of the most promising young stars in Mexican football since he burst onto the scene with Queretaro in 2014. Coincidentally, that’s the year Ronaldinho played with Queretaro, and the Brazilian was quick to help mentor the young Pineda while at the club.
“He always told me that every time I received the ball in the midfield, to always go forward, never backwards,” says Pineda about the advice Ronaldinho gave him. “He always said to be decisive in the final third. He always told me that, and I always accepted his instructions.”
Orbelin Pineda says he also admires Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Hector Herrera. Having suffered heartbreak with Mexico at the U-20 World Cup, his omission from the Olympic Games certainly hurts, especially when former U-20 players such as Hirving Lozano and Erick Gutierrez made the team.
However, Pineda now has an opportunity to enhance his own reputation while solidifying his place within the Chivas starting eleven.
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