El Tri, post-Qatar: Montes, Ochoa make European debuts
Two El Tri stars who leapt from Qatar to Europe made rather auspicious debuts this week.
Defender César Montes got his first start with Espanyol in Tuesday’s Copa del Rey match against Celta Vigo, playing the entire 120 minutes in a match that the Periquitos won 3-1 in extra time. The Olympic bronze medalist joined the Barcelona-based franchise on Dec. 29.
In Italy, veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa demonstrated why he has backstopped Mexico in three consecutive World Cups, frustrating AC Milan with nine saves, several of the spectacular kind that El Tri fans have learned to expect.
Despite a sterling performance in his Serie A initiation, Ochoa and Salernitana fell to “I Rossoneri” 2-1 in a Matchday 16 contest. The Mexican netminder apparently earned some respect with his display, as this tweet from Milan’s official Portuguese account makes clear:
Ochoa 😡
— AC Milan BR (@acmilanbr) January 4, 2023
El Tri, Europe and assorted rumors
Ajax midfielder Edson Álvarez was expected to play a starring role with El Tri in Qatar, but the 25-year-old failed to live up to the billing. Still, the Club América product was reportedly on Chelsea’s winter transfer wish list.
Whispers of the potential move were heard a week ago, but then The Blues made a move to acquire Argentine wonder boy Enzo Fernández.
In the past few days, however, two other EPL clubs were linked to “The Machine.” Fox Sports reported that West Ham and Arsenal were taking a closer look at Álvarez.
Another Mexican in the Dutch league is said to be attracting attention. Striker Santi Giménez – one of the final cuts from the El Tri roster ahead of the World Cup – was said to be drawing interest from Sevilla.
The 21-year-old “Bebop” has 6 goals and 1 assist in 18 Eredivisie matches since joining Feyenoord from Cruz Azul in late July. Giménez is also joint top scorer of the European League with Braga’s Vitinha.
Also in Spain, Jordan Carrillo made a splash in a Copa del Rey clash against Rayo Vallecano.
The 21-year-old playmaker joined second-division side Sporting Gijón from Santos Laguna last summer and has played in eight LaLiga2 matches as well as three Copa del Rey contests.
Carrillo wowed fans with some ball skills on Tuesday as his team upset their La Liga opponents who currently sit eighth in the first division table.
The CDR gives an opportunity to come across players to keep an eye on from lower leagues/players with few mins in Segunda/LaLiga.
— Emmanuel (@LigaLavo) January 4, 2023
Jordan Carrillo (21yo-🇲🇽, Sporting Gijon) is an example.
pic.twitter.com/OLca9v7ZCV
If he continues to impress, Carrillo can expect a summons to the senior Mexico squad. The Culiacán native has just one cap with El Tri, playing 18 minutes in a scoreless friendly against Guatemala back in April.
Another member of El Tri making waves in Europe’s Hot Stove League is striker Raúl Jiménez.
The Wolverhampton man was unable to contribute much to Mexico’s brief World Cup appearance after only recently recovering from a long-term injury, the 31-year-old attacker has reportedly popped up on Barcelona’s radar.
Next. Odds and Ends ahead of new Liga MX season. dark
Whether or not that’s true, most El Tri fans just want to see Raúl get healthy, regardless of where he plays.