As you should know by now, 2 blogs in a row from me is almost indicative of a Nobel Peace Prize. In fact, there’s a better chance of Juan Carlos Osorio playing players in their natural position, than me going back-to-back on blogs. But sometimes, the supernatural happens. Just like my diet, which starts on Monday, I’ll go strong for a day, and occasionally I’ll show up the next day. But not often, so don’t get accustomed to it.
But on to what you’re here for, my terrible attempt at putting together the Mexican National squad for PutinMania 18. Now after a pretty shameful performance against Bosnia on Wednesday, it seems as though Osorio is coaching for his job. No seriously, it’s literally his job to coach. But if that game indicated anything for the future (which it didn’t), it’s that Osorio will keep his play as conservative as possible. Mexico showed no fight in the end. Sure they were up 1-0, but in a friendly where Liga MX’s best + MLS best faced up against Bosnia and Herzegovina U-23, they can’t go and waste time towards the end of the match. The crowd let them have at the end of the whilst; And rightfully so. And many speculated as to whether this game was a bit of a tryout for Osorio’s plans in the summer, it wasn’t. The squad for the summer is basically set. That’s why I went to Mexico first. It was the easiest choices, duh.
Now I really don’t want to dive into Osorio for continuing to have players out of position, mostly because no would read it anyway, but also because it’s getting a bit popular to criticize JCO, and I dislike doing things that are popular. You’ll never see me creating a list, or have predictions. Never. I’ll quit stalling this paragraph, so let’s get on with the show.
Goalkeepers
Guillermo Ochoa, Rodolfo Cota, Alfredo Talavera.
One of the only spots that really wasn’t a clear lock was that of the third GK. With JCO switching GK’s every 2 seconds, it would’ve been logical for him to throw in Corona with the Tala and Ochoa. But he’s nearly 40 years old, and not nearly as good as he once was. I chose Cota because he’s been Osorio’s pick for a couple of games now, and the whole ‘still in his prime’ thing. You’ll never see Mexico pick a goalie past his prime and close to 40 to start in the World Cup. Never.
Back-Line
Hector Moren-D’oh, Carlos Salce-D’oh, Nestor Arauj-D’oh, Dieg-D’oh Reyes, Hug-D’oh Ayala, Edson Alvarez, Jesus Gallardo, Miguel Layun
A little bit of Simpsons humor for you folks. It’s safe to say that our Defense is not our best asset. In fact, it’s probably the most overrated defense in Group F. Who are we kidding, none of the players on the back line scare anyone. For crying out loud, Alanis hasn’t even started for Chivas and he’s being picked to play Left Back. Sad. I was originally going to label it as Defenders, but they actually don’t do that, so Backline was a safe name.
Midfielders
Andres Guardado, Hector Herrera, Jesus Corona, Rodolfo Pizarro, Javier Aquino, Marco Fabian, Jonathan Dos Santos,
I’ll address something that’s on everyone’s mind, there is NO CDM! And I HATE IT. But that’s how JCO roles, he plays 4 in the back and plays Reyes at CDM and it STINKS! Either choose a 5 line, or commit to the 4, but don’t mix it up. The lack of a real CDM on this team is sickening. The fact that El Gallito Vazquez has gotten 0 call-ups is extremely disappointing. Nobody has done a better job at CDM than El Gallito. Yeah, that’s right Guti and Molina Kick-Rocks! If what was on your mind was Pizarro being on the squad, let me clear that up. Pizarro has been stellar for Chivas. Playing him at forward against Bosnia was CRIMINAL! My man is set for running around the pitch breaking ankles, and missing a shot at the last second. He deserves to be in Russia, and if he doesn’t make it, that will be the straw that breaks my back on Osorio.
Forwards
Chicharito Hernandez, Hirving Lozano, Carlos Vela, Giovanni Dos Santos, Raul Jimenez
Lot’s of criticism for Giovanni Dos Santos from the last game. He was very quiet. Which isn’t very good when your roster spot isn’t a mortal lock. Look I get it, you were a bright spot in Barcelona’s youth squads. You played alongside Modric, Xavi, Iniesta, Bale, Gerrard, E’to, Ronaldinho, MESSI. You’ve dated Belinda. You’ve won a World Cup! In every which way, you have earned your spot in Russia, but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t work your ass off when called upon by Osorio. Aside from these 5, I can’t imagine anyone else making the roster. Pulido is a complete joke. Henry Martin should never wear La Verde ever again after last game. Peralta is an old fart that, unless he balls out this Clausura, won’t be in Osorio’s plans this year.
There you have it folks, my terrible interpretation of what we should prepare for this summer. If you are a loyal Osorio rider, I say to you, congratulations, If you are an Osorio hater, I say, shame on you. It’s ok to critic, but to legitimately root for our coach to lose is absurd. If you hate me, please express your hatred to @SenorBautista on Twitter. Please, I would more than love to discuss why your opinion is wrong, so HMU there. Aside from that, we got Australia, England, and Uruguay next week. Spoiler alert, 1 of these teams might not be blogged next week. Stay up, Deuces.