Javier Aguirre, the new head coach for the Mexican national team, has unveiled his first 26-man roster, signaling a fresh direction for “El Tri” as they prepare for upcoming friendly matches. This selection for the Mexican Selection Soccer team offers a mix of familiar faces and emerging talents, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter.
While veteran stalwarts like Guillermo Ochoa, Raúl Jiménez, and Hirving “Chucky” Lozano are notably absent from this call-up, their exclusion isn’t entirely unexpected, as they were also left out of the Copa América roster. Aguirre’s initial squad, revealed this Thursday, is geared towards friendlies against New Zealand on September 7 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, and Canada on September 10 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Instead of relying solely on seasoned players, Aguirre’s selection emphasizes a blend of youth and experience. Leading the charge is Feyenoord’s in-form striker Santiago Giménez, a key figure in the future of the Mexican selection soccer team. Alongside Giménez, Club América’s promising goalkeeper Luis Ángel Malagón, Almería defender César Montes, and Tigres’ dynamic winger Marcelo Flores are also included, highlighting Aguirre’s focus on nurturing the next generation of Mexican soccer stars.
Another notable absence from this Mexican selection soccer roster is West Ham midfielder Edson Álvarez. However, his omission is due to his recovery from a recent injury, suggesting he remains a crucial part of Aguirre’s plans moving forward once fully fit.
Interestingly, 25 out of the 26 players named have previous experience with the national team. The exception is Spanish-born Athletic Club goalkeeper Álex Padilla, who is set to earn his first senior cap for Mexico, adding an intriguing element to this selection.
Preparation for these September friendlies will commence with a training camp starting this Sunday. These games mark the beginning of Aguirre’s third stint as the head coach of the Mexican national team, having previously led “El Tri” from 2001-02 and 2009-10.
Looking ahead, Aguirre will lead his team in a home friendly against the United States national team on October 15 at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, further testing his squad and strategies.
Duilio Davino, Mexico’s sporting director, reassured fans last week that the door is still open for veteran players who were previously omitted from the Copa América. He also mentioned ongoing discussions with Valencia for a potential friendly match in October before the highly anticipated game against the USMNT.
Mexico’s 26-Man Roster for September Friendlies:
Goalkeepers: Luis Ángel Malagón (Club America), Raul Rangel (Chivas), Alex Padilla (Athletic Bilbao)
Defenders: Julián Araujo (Bournemouth), Alan Mozo (Chivas), Israel Reyes (Club America), Cesar Montes (Almeria), Johan Vásquez (Genoa), Víctor Guzmán (Monterrey), Jesús Angulo (Tigres), Jesús Gallardo (Toluca)
Midfielders: Luis Romo (Cruz Azul), Fidel Ambriz (Monterrey), Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Carlos Rodríguez (Cruz Azul), Luis Chávez (Dynamo Moscow), Sebastián Córdova (Tigres), Orbelín Pineda (AEK Athens)
Forwards: Diego Lainez (Tigres), Julián Quiñones (Al Qadsiah), Roberto Alvarado (Chivas), Marcelo Flores (Tigres), César Huerta (Pumas), Guillermo Martínez (Pumas), Santiago Gimenez (Feyenoord), Henry Martín (Club America)
This initial Mexican selection soccer roster under Javier Aguirre provides a glimpse into his vision for the team. By blending emerging talents with experienced players and keeping the door open for veterans, Aguirre aims to build a competitive and dynamic squad ready for future challenges. The upcoming friendlies will be crucial in evaluating this new-look team and refining strategies for the journey ahead.
