Mexico (National Football)

Mexico coach Miguel Herrera has started a tour in Europe to talk to some of El Tri's key players.

Back in 2014, El Piojo did the same before the World Cup started. Back then the biggest concern was Carlos Vela, as he hadn't worn "La Verde" in over three years.

This time there's not a drama like that; perhaps the only player who has been surrounded by gossip and uncertainties is Alan Pulido.

The former Tigres striker spent eight months out of the pitch due to a legal fight with the Mexican club. Ultimately, FIFA granted him permission to play in Greece, and he is now representing Levadiakos, per MedioTiempo.com (in Spanish).

Despite being one of the Mexicans in Europe that gets more playing time, Herrera won't make the trip to Greece, as confirmed by the coach himself, via his Twitter account. However, he doesn't discard Pulido.

Since he joined the Greek club, the striker has played 265 minutes, plus he has put the ball away once. In that period, he has spent more time on the pitch than Diego Reyes and Raul Jimenez, to name a couple.

In the meantime, Herrera has already been in Madrid, where he talked to Guillermo Ochoa before the Real Madrid vs. Malaga match.

El Piojo told Mexican media that this tour was meant to be the perfect opportunity to let the footballers know if they were going to be in the Gold Cup or the Copa America squad. 

Also, it gave him the chance to communicate his decision to the players' clubs, per Mexican newspaper Record.

Other European-based footballers who will receive a visit from the El Tri coach will most likely be Javier Hernandez, Hector Herrera, Jonathan dos Santos, Giovani dos Santos, Jesus Manuel Corona, Miguel Layun, Rafael Marquez, Jimenez, Reyes and Andres Guardado.

The latter secured the Erevidisie title this weekend when PSV defeated Heerenveen, 4-1. Guardado has been instrumental for the Dutch side since he joined on a one-year loan last summer.

The midfielder has had a better performance after the World Cup when coach Herrera gave him an opportunity to try himself with the team, although Carlos Pena seemed to have locked the starting position in the left midfield.

Regarding Marquez, he is still in Herrera's plans, but it's clear that he will only play in one tournament and will be able to pick which one, per Mexican newspaper La Aficion (in Spanish).

He was supposed to join Mexico for the Ecuador and Paraguay friendlies but suffered a knee injury that sidelined him.

After the USA vs. Mexico friendly, Herrera told several reporters gathered at the Mexico City airport that he had 95 percent of both lists ready, per MedioTiempo.com.

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Alberto Garcia Aspe is one of the greatest footballers Mexico has had. If there's someone who knows what it feels like wearing El Tri jersey, it's him.

This Wednesday, Mexico and the United States will face at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. El Tri are seeking to secure their first win against the USMNT in four years—the last one came in the 2011 Gold Cup final.

Aspe is now an analyst for Fox Deportes' La Ultima Palabra, and he spoke exclusively with Bleacher Report ahead of this week's clash.

Bleacher Report: Mexico manager Miguel Herrera has a squad full of Liga MX players. What can we expect?

Alberto Garcia Aspe: These players know they need to give their best because they are fighting for a spot in the Copa America squad. From this team, the only one who can make the Gold Cup is Francisco Rodriguez. 

Herrera needs two squads. This is an important match because it's against the United States and these games are played to death.

B/R: The rivalry between these two teams is huge. Can this team make a good job?

AGA: You cannot bring another team. This is not a FIFA date, so you don't have the European-based footballers available.

Then, the Liga MX teams are going through several things, like avoiding relegation. Puebla, for instance, didn't lend Michael Orozco to the USMNT; Guadalajara only let two players out.

It's pretty normal, and they need to work with what they have.

B/R: Is there any Mexican player who catches your attention?

AGA: I'm really looking forward to seeing Luis Montes. He's back after his injury, which sidelined him from the 2014 World Cup. Also Luis Rodriguez, although he might not start.

They will be interesting to see on the pitch.

B/R: There has been a lot of talk around the Liga MX footballers who decide to play for the USMNT—is it worth it?

AGA: I don't think so. Those who play for the USA probably feel more attached to that country. Honestly, it's their choice.

When they make that decision, it is probably because they realize they won't be capped with El Tri or maybe they won't make it big. Let's take a look at Edgar Castillo—we never saw something really interesting from him.

We also have William Yarbrough, a young footballer who proved himself with Leon in the first couple of seasons, but lately he has had a hard time.

B/R: So, the only importance of this game is the chance to watch new footballers? 

AGA: Yes, if it weren't the USA. Playing against them forces you to win, no matter what. If you don't, then you'll receive a lot of criticism.

The rivalry between both squads is huge, and if you add that the footballers, from both sides, know this could be their only chance to show what they have, we should expect a very tough match.

B/R: Talk a bit about both squads.

AGA: Mexico will come out with everything they have. These youngsters need to play at their best to secure a spot in the Copa America team.

The USMNT will come out and play the same way they always do. They have nine footballers who appeared in the 2014 World Cup—they are used to each other.

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Miguel Herrera is ready to play his second match against the United States since he took over El Tri, and as it happened a year ago, he will only have Liga MX players on the squad.

This is a great opportunity to take a closer look to some of the local league footballers and determine if they can tackle the challenge and eventually join Mexico in this summer's tournaments.

Up-and-Coming

El Piojo capped 10 defenders for this game, and the reason is pretty obvious.

Mexico have had a terrible time in the back line. The absence of Rafael Marquez has hurt the squad deeply, while Hector Moreno didn't seem too comfortable against Ecuador.

So Herrera needs to start trying out local players. One of them is George Corral, who received his first call-up last November but returned quickly from Europe due to injury.

The Queretaro footballer has shown a lot of strength, but he needs to work on keeping the ball a little bit longer.

Another player who has been catching attention is Luis Rodriguez. The Chiapas right-back is a tough defender but also a valuable asset when he joins the attack.

Rodriguez can play in the back line or in the midfield with the same success; therefore, his flexibility sets him apart from most of the Liga MX defenders.

One of the youngsters who has shone the most this season is Carlos Salcedo. The 21-year-old arrived in Chivas after two years in MLS (Real Salt Lake).

With Guadalajara, Salcedo has put the ball away once. His aerial game is sharp, while his fine touch has been instrumental in distributing the ball accurately.

One of the most expected appearances is Jurgen Damm's. The Pachuca footballer couldn't start against Paraguay due to an ankle injury but is now ready to face the USMNT.

Damm's speed and dribbling skills set him as a versatile player who can finish plays or create them easily. He can appear in the defense or in the midfield.

Finally, we have Marco Bueno. The Toluca forward made the list because Oribe Peralta suffered a muscle strain, per El Universal.

Bueno was part of the U17 squad that secured the World Cup at the Estadio Azteca in 2011. During the tournament, he appeared in every match and scored once.

His club career has been tough. Bueno arrived in Toluca as a loanee. He didn't get much playing time in his first tournament, but in the 2015 Clausura he has started nine games and has a total tally of two goals, his best record since 2012.

Comebacks

For the first time since El Piojo took over, we won't see Guillermo Ochoa, Alfredo Talavera or Jesus Corona in the squad. 

Jonathan Orozco has the chance to play with the Mexico A-team for the first time in three years. In 2013 he appeared in the Gold Cup, but Jose Manuel de la Torre took the B-team for that competition.

Orozco is one of the most consistent goalkeepers of the league. He has been playing with Monterrey since 2004, when he made his professional debut.

There's also Cirilo Saucedo, another veteran and a superb goalie. He was instrumental in helping Tijuana secure the 2012 Apertura tournament.

He has become a standard-bearer for Xolos since they arrived in the first division. This season he has appeared 13 times and made 49 saves, per Fox Sports.

In the defense, Gerardo Flores is set to reappear with El Tri since De la Torre left the squad. The Cruz Azul right-back knows Herrera from his time in Monterrey, so he is familiar with the coach's system.

And speaking of Rayados, Hiram Mier is finally in shape and could very well appear as a centre-back in Herrera's 5-3-2 formation.

Mier has been regarded as one of the most promising defenders of the local league ever since he played for Mexico U23 in 2012, but several knee injuries have sidelined him.

The Monterrey defender isn't the only one who has missed a bunch of games with El Tri.

Leon midfielder Luis Montes suffered a terrible fracture just days before Mexico's debut at the 2014 World Cup.

Luckily, El Chapito is back on track. He has played eight Liga MX matches so far, four as a starter and four as a sub. He has also scored twice.

All stats appear courtesy of Squawka and MedioTiempo unless otherwise noted.

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Jesus Manuel Corona has been making a lot of buzz in the Eredivisie lately, which couldn't come in better time for the Mexico national team.

Tecatito started his career with local club Monterrey and quickly became one of the players to follow. He made his first division debut at age 17, in August 2010, as a starter.

However, he didn't appear again until the next year, as a sub versus San Luis. Corona wasn't a regular player with the senior team, but he was instrumental at the youth level.

He quickly made the U20 national team and attended the Milk Cup (2011 and 2012), winning the latter. Corona also appeared in the CONCACAF U-20 Championship (where he scored three times), the 2013 Toulon Tournament and the U-20 World Cup.

His success with El Tri allowed him to secure a spot with Rayados' senior squad. In the 2012 Apertura, he made 12 appearances, while in the 2013 Clausura he played 13 times and scored once.

He also participated in the 2012 FIFA World Club Cup, where he netted twice.

All of the above proved that he was one of the most promising youngsters in the country, but like many, he was at risk of being left aside due to his age.

It's not uncommon in Mexico that a bright crop of footballers, like those who won the U-17 World Cups in 2005 and 2011, fade away due to the lack of opportunities in the Liga MX clubs.

Some have locked jobs in the first division, but only a handful are making an impact on the pitch.

Corona was one of those talented footballers who could have been lost among the bureaucracy and "pacts" in Mexico.

Instead, he decided to leave the country, which back then didn't seem to be the best option for him, not because he didn't have what it takes to make it big overseas, but because history has taught us that very few Mexicans make long and successful careers in Europe.

Most of the players abroad sit on the bench, until they eventually decide to return to the country, where they'll not only appear every week, but also will make more money.

So back to Tecatito, the winger signed a four-year deal with Dutch club Twente in August 2013, just three years after his professional debut.

Corona joined the second division squad, but he managed to appear 15 times with the senior team. Although he only started three of them, he put the ball away twice.

He also created three goal opportunities, all of them through the center of the pitch and had 80 percent of pass accuracy, for a total of 138 completed passes.

For the current season, Corona was fully promoted to the senior squad.

He has appeared 23 times in the Dutch league and has already scored more goals than in any other tournament in which he has competed, with a total tally of seven.

Mexico coach noticed the winger's efforts and talent quickly, and called him for the November friendlies (Netherlands and Belarus).

Corona made quite an impression against the Dutch. He assisted Carlos Vela for Mexico's second goal, just one minute after he stepped onto the pitch.

Tecatito's consistency with Twente has enhanced his already impressive skills. He started his career as a forward for Monterrey but eventually moved to the midfield.

His speed and dribbling skills make of him a very elusive footballer who provides depth to the team, which results in goal opportunities.

He is used to playing on both flanks, although lately he has appeared more on the right.

His fine touch allows him to shoot from outside the box or pass the ball to his teammates when they have better scoring opportunities.

Overall, Corona is a complete footballer. He is young (22 years old), he is playing on a regular basis with a European club and his talent is undeniable.

It's been a very long time since we've seen a Mexican footballer with his assets.

Carlos Vela and Giovani dos Santos were two of the most promising players back in 2005, but the lack of playing time with their respective clubs hurt them deeply at a young age.

Yes, they recovered and are now key members for their teams, but imagine what they could have achieved if they had played regularly.

Corona needs to stay at Twente and continue to develop his skills.

He will be instrumental for Mexico starting in the summer, either in the Copa America or the Gold Cup. But looking into the future, expect this kid to impress in the 2018 World Cup.

All stats appear courtesy of Squawka and MedioTiempo.com.

The FIFA date ended earlier this week, and with that, El Tri footballers returned to their clubs. Not all of them played, but Javier Hernandez should be happier than ever, as he finally returned to the pitch with Real Madrid.

Carlo Ancelotti heard Chicharito's petition

Hernandez told Fox Sports earlier this week that he was very frustrated about his constant appearances on the bench, per The Guardian.

After he arrived in Real Madrid, Hernandez has only started four times and has put the ball away three times in a total of 19 appearances.

After his declarations, while in the United States to play with El Tri, Los Blancos coach talked about the issue.

Carlo Ancelotti said in a press conference that he understood the Mexican but said Hernandez needed to be patient because the club has more games up coming, as reported by Marca.

The Italian coach was right. Hernandez played 29 minutes in Madrid's 9-1 victory over Granada—although, he missed his chance to score.

Miguel Layun played in Watford's tie

During the Ecuador friendly, Miguel Layun was far from being at his best level.

He was constantly overpowered by Ecuador's speed and physicality. Furthermore, the left-back took forever to return to his defending labors when he joined the attack.

Layun missed the Paraguay game because he was summoned to his club earlier than expected. 

Watford is fighting for a spot in the Premier League. So far, they sit fourth in the championship, with six games ahead.

Layun started the game against Derby County. He played 63 minutes in the 2-2 draw.

Raul Jimenez returned to Atletico Madrid with an injury

The former America striker had a good performance in Mexico's 1-0 victory over Paraguay, although he left the match earlier than expected.

Jimenez returned to his club with an ankle injury, which sidelined him from appearing in the clash against Cordoba, per Mexican newspaper El Universal.

It is not clear when is he returning to competition. 

Hector Herrera couldn't help Porto

Like Layun, Hector Herrera also returned early to Europe. Unfortunately, the Mexican started on the bench for Porto's League Cup match against Maritimo.

The Primeira Liga heavyweights lost 2-1 in the League Cup semifinal. It was their second defeat to the Green and Reds this year. They also fell short in Matchday 18 of the local league.

Herrera could reappear Monday against Estoril in Week 26 of the Portuguese championship.

The Dos Santos brothers

Jonathan dos Santos started the game against Valencia, after a superb performance with Mexico, which proved he's going through a great moment—if not his best.

He played 73 minutes in La Liga's Week 29 match between Villarreal and Valencia. He shot once on target and nearly scored with a powerful header that Diego Alves saved.

The older of the dos Santos brothers, Giovani, came in as a sub in the 61st minute. But, he couldn't do much to help his team put the ball in the back of the net.

The game ended in a scoreless draw.

Guillermo Ochoa and Andres Guardado became fathers

Both footballers returned to Spain and the Netherlands, respectively, to welcome their sons.

Guillermo Ochoa's second child was born and named Luciano. He also has a two-year-old girl, Luciana.

Andres Guardado became a first-time dad. His wife, Briana, gave birth to Maximo.

Both footballers reported with their clubs. Ochoa stayed on the bench in Malaga's one-goal draw to Real Sociedad, and Guardado played all 90 minutes in PSV Eindhoven's 0-5 victory over Twente.

All stats appear courtesy of ESPN FC and Squawka.

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