If there was a time Juan Carlos Osorio needed redemption, it’s now. Mexico will be heading to face the USA and Panama to start the final round of World Cup qualification this November. That being said, the list he has called up may be the absolute best he has ever called.
Here’s the arsenal JCO has assembled…
Goalkeepers: Memo Ochoa, Jesús Corona, Alfredo Talavera
Defenders: Carlos Salcedo, Diego Reyes, Miguel Layún, Rafa Márquez, Héctor Moreno, Araujo, Ayala, Oswaldo Alanís
Midfielders: Héctor Herrera, Guardado, Jonathan dos Santos, Jesús Dueñas, Orbelín Pineda, Marco Fabián, Javier Aquino
Forwards: Oribe Peralta, Giovani dos Santos, Raúl Jiménez, Chicharito, Tecatito Corona, Carlos Vela, Hirving Lozano
When one takes a look at this call up, it’s clear that Osorio is very serious about the challenge ahead. Of all his call ups in the past, this is hands down the most powerful and talented. Does it mean it will be successful? No. However, there are no major doubts or suspicious admissions.
Osorio has a lot of options to sort out, especially with the strong play of Carlos Salcedo in Italy as a right-back. This is a major spot to fill especially with Paul Aguilar out with a knee injury.
The midfield and attack is unquestionable, and we may finally see the likes of Vela, dos Santos and Chicharito on the field at once. Yet, he can do several changes because Tecatito Corona, Jiménez and Hirving Lozano are major threats that could be a handful for the CONCACAF defenses.
Mexico defeated Panama, 1-0, in their last meeting (October 2016), and the USA, 3-2 (October 2015).
Keep it right here on The Stoppage Time, powered by Azteca Soccer, for more world football news and updates on all things Mexican football. Stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page.
