One of the dark horses in Copa America 2024 are none other than Mexico, led by head coach Jaime ‘Jimmy’ Lozano.
All eyes will be on Mexico to see how the North American giants get on in their first major tournament under Lozano. Although El Tri captured the CONCACAF Gold Cup last summer, their CONCACAF Nations League final defeat to rivals USMNT earlier this year may have tampered expectations heading into this summer.
However, that doesn’t mean that Mexico can’t enjoy a solid Copa America campaign that includes a deep run in the competition. Lozano has a handful of key players he knows he can rely on in a bid to cause chaos later on this summer in the United States.
Here are Mexico’s five most important players at Copa America 2024.
Sanchez remains Mexico’s best creative midfielder / Omar Vega/GettyImages
If Mexico are to go far in Copa America, Erick Sanchez will definitely have a part to play in the middle of the park.
The Pachuca player — who recently led his club to CONCACAF Champions Cup glory — is more than capable of shouldering the attacking duties in the midfield to provide service for Julian Quinones and Santiago Gimenez.
Malagon takes over from Ochoa / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Everyone knows that a coach can’t get their goalkeeper situation wrong, and Lozano has made a big move by leaving Mexico legend Guillermo ‘Memo’ Ochoa out of his squad.
That means Club America shot-stopper Luis Malagon will get his time to shine as he’s set to make just his fifth appearance in such a massive tournament.
Quinones creates chances from the wings / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Julian Quinones’ decision to switch his international allegiance from Colombia to Mexico sent shockwaves through North America, and the Club America player will hope to make a huge impact in his first major tournament with El Tri.
While Quinones typically lines up at striker, he’ll more than likely take up shop at left0wing with Santiago Gimenez leading the line.
Alvarez anchors the midfield / Omar Vega/GettyImages
All good teams have a strong support system in the midfield, and that’s where Edson Alvarez comes into play.
The former Ajax and current West Ham United player is likely to receive the armband this summer given Ochoa wasn’t selected in the squad. Alvarez will be key to Mexico’s chances this summer due to his ability to block off passing lines and step in to make key interceptions.
Gimenez starts up front and center / Matthew Ashton – AMA/GettyImages
Like Quinones, Santiago Gimenez will also want to put in a string of strong performances this summer in his first major tournament for El Tri.
Gimenez notably didn’t make Mexico’s squad at the World Cup and he’ll be eager to prove the doubters wrong after his late heroics vs Panama in last year’s Gold Cup final.
Source link : https://www.90min.com/posts/mexico-s-five-most-important-players-at-copa-america-2024
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Publish date : 2024-06-03 13:30:41
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