Will ‘Tata,’ El Tri make adjustments for U.S., Canada?

‘Tata’ might have to make some hard decisions

The attacking trio in Martino’s 4-3-3 line-up is still taking shape. The preferred trident of Raúl Jiménez, “Chucky” Lozano and “Tecatito” Corona has not been available since November 2020. Jiménez is still rounding into form after missing 9 months with a skull fracture and “Chucky was out with a head injury of his own from July until September.

Jiménez and Lozano flashed their potential this round, but Corona’s continuing troubles suggest “Tata” must take a hard look at other options.

“Tecatito” made it clear over the summer that he wanted to move on from FC Porto, and after seeing two potential trades fall through (Sevilla and AC Milan were the suitors), “Tecatito” sulked. The former Primeira Liga Player of the Year did not make his first appearance for the Dragons until a 19-minute cameo on Matchday 3.

Eight games into the season and Corona has only started one league match, though he did play a full 90 in both of Porto’s UEFA Champions League contests. On the season, “Tecatito” has 0 goals and 2 assists in 378 minutes (just over four games’ worth).

So while “Tecatito” is Mexico’s most technically gifted player, he is not in game shape. He has contributed little thus far in the qualifying campaign and his stubborn insistence on taking on double-teams has led to a plethora of turnovers.

Waiting in the wings are Sebastián Córdova – a key part of El Tri Olímpico’s run to the Olympic bronze medal – and Liga MX champion Orbelín Pineda.

Córdova got the start in midfield against Honduras and scored the opener for El Tri. His poise on the ball and high soccer IQ complements Jiménez and Lozano quite well and his skill-set translates well as a winger within a 4-3-3 or in midfield in a 4-4-2 alignment.

Pineda came on late against Honduras, slotting in right behind Jiménez and Lozano, and he was the most dynamic player on the field. He provided “Chucky” with the assist on El Tri’s third goal.

He did get the start in El Salvador but seemed out of sorts in a three-man midfield. The consensus is that he would be more dangerous on the wing or as the point man in a four-man midfield.