Mexico will go into their opening game of the Copa against Jamaica on June 22 with very high expectations despite not being among the favourites to win the tournament.
El Tri manager Jamie Lozano will be looking to guide his team to a deep run in the competition but it definitely won’t be easy considering the history of underachievement that plagues the Mexico national team.
With the competition set to commence in a couple of weeks, Soccernet.football takes a look at seven players who could help Mexico reach the expectations of their supporters in the United States.
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7. Brian Garcia
The 26-year-old right-back plies his trade in Mexico’s first division for Toluca and has had a decent 2023/2024 campaign, scoring 3 goals and providing 3 assists in 35 games.
Garcia, while solid in his defensive duties also thrives further up the pitch. His six goal contributions for Toluca this past season shows that he could provide Mexico extra attacking power on the right flank.
6. Bryan Gonzalez
Gonzalez also plays in the Mexican first division for Pachuca and the youngster has already established himself as a crucial player for the Liga MX side.
The 21-year-old defender will have to compete with Gerardo Arteaga for the right to be Lozano’s starting left-back. Potential or Experience? It remains to be seen which El Tri’s gaffer will lean towards.
5. Luis Chavez
The 28-year-old defensive midfielder will be heading into the Copa with Mexico off the back of a decent campaign with Russian Premier Liga side Dynamo Moscow.
Chavez could provide defensive solidity for El Tri in the middle of the park as well as protect the back line. He is also capable of contributing in the final third with goals and assists.
4. Érik Sánchez
Sánchez proved to be an important player for Pachuca in the Liga MX this past season with 18 goal involvements across 38 appearances.
The 24-year-old attacking midfielder’s output in the final third is quite impressive and Mexico manager Lozano will be hoping he can get the best out of the player at the tournament.
3. Uriel Antuna
The 26-year-old winger was impressive for CD Cruz Azul in the Liga MX this past season, registering 14 goals and 6 assists across 37 appearances.
Antuna possesses great agility, pace and dribbling abilities which enables him to breeze past defenders when he finds his stride. He will certainly be a central feature for Lozano’s El Tri on the right flank.
2. Julian Quiñones
Quiñones was the main man upfront for 2023/2024 Liga MX winners América, firing them to glory with 17 goals and 9 assists in 42 appearances.
The 27-year-old will be heading into the competition with great confidence after a great season with his club and he could prove to be a very massive El Tri in the United States.
1. Santiago Gimenez
The Feyenoord center-forward is arguably the most important player for Mexico heading into the Copa America. It is expected that Lozano will entrust him with the task of leading El Tri in attack.
The 23-year-old striker, after enjoying the most productive campaign of his budding career with Feyenoord this past season, will be looking to replicate his sensational scoring form in the United States.
With a combination of Quiñones and Gimenez leading El Tri’s attack, who knows how far they can manage to go in this year’s tournament.
