3 players Juan Carlos Osorio should look for in the near future
By Alex Perez
Juan Carlos Osorio has some work to do
Besides having two tough matches in this month’s FIFA date against Costa Rica and Trinidad & Tobago, Mexico also faces a busy summer.
In addition to World Cup qualifying, the Confederations Cup and Gold Cup are ahead in Mexico’s tight schedule. For these reasons, Juan Carlos Osorio needs to keep his eye out on different players. Therefore, these are the three players Osorio should call up some time in the near future.
Cesar Montes
A world-class defender hasn’t emerged from Mexico since Rafael Marquez. 20-year-old Cesar Montes’ short career suggests he could potentially be Marquez’s successor.
With a team full of top-class foreigners, Montes has obtained a secure spot in Monterrey’s starting 11. Due to Montes’ stability in defense, Monterrey lives a great moment. Sitting in fourth place with 16 points, Montes looks to triumph with his club.
Juan Carlos Osorio regularly speaks about the qualities he looks for in a defender: tall and good in the air. Qualities that Cesar Montes meets. With Rafael Marquez at the final stretch of his career, the time has come to give his replacement an opportunity to shine.
Carlos Salcedo
Salcedo took a huge risk by migrating to Italy this past summer. Being a starter at Chivas, he knew he would have to earn a spot in Fiorentina’s defense.
The Mexican defender adapted quickly to Italy and became a regular starter. His solid performances earned him a spot in Juan Carlos Osorio’s 23-men roster to face USA and Panama in November 2016.
His versatility caught Osorio’s eye. Needing a right back, Osorio brought on Salcedo. Although Salcedo isn’t a natural right back, he filled that role.
As a result of Paul Aguilar’s knee injury, Mexico is in need of a full back. Even though that isn’t his natural position, El Titan can fill that gap. Not only that, Salcedo’s toughness makes opposing attackers think twice about charging at him.
Rodolfo Pizarro
Similarly to Salcedo, Rodolfo Pizarro provides versatility. Although he plays higher up the pitch, Pizarro can perform in numerous roles of attack.
Ever since Pizarro arrived at Chivas in January, he’s been a goal scoring threat. His ability to move fluently in the final third of the pitch confuses defenders. Hence netting four goals in the Clausura.
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As a consequence of Giovani Dos Santos’ injury, Osorio is pursuing a goalscoring midfielder. Rodolfo Pizarro’s recent performances are more than enough to earn him a spot in Osorio’s 23-men roster in the near future.