CONCACAF
Five players to follow in the USMNT vs Mexico game in the Nations League
Both El Tri and the US are out to make it to the Concacaf Nations League final: here’s the players who are set to shine.
The United States and Mexico will go head to head once again, this time in the Concacaf Nations League. The first round, played last year, went to the USA and they will be looking to maintain their impressive record against El Tri. Despite the recent success over their rivals, Diego Cocca’s side pose a huge challenge and that is why the star players of The States are set to make an appearance.
On the other side of the pitch, Mexico are ready to put out their strongest side in what will certainly be a tough game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Here, we take a look at five players who might make the difference in a game that is incredibly difficult to call ahead of the first whistle.
Who are the best players in the USMNT and Mexico?
Guillermo Ochoa: The experienced Mexican goalkeeper looks set to start against the USMNT. At 37-years-old, he comes off the back of a fantastic campaign in Italy’s Serie A; shining all season long with Salernitana, he has just signed a new deal with the team, despite been linked with moves to some of Europe’s most historic teams. Malagón’s error against Cameroon in Mexico’s latest game also opens the door for the ex-Club América man.
Matt Turner: Despite being Arsenal’s substitute goalkeeper, Turner is the first choice for the USMNT in goal. The goalkeeper has struggled to find minutes on British soil but an entire campaign training under the orders of Mikel Arteta and with an Arsenal side that looked like winning the league until the final weeks of the season, Turner is a sure-fire bet to have a solid game.
Folarin Balogun: Stade de Reims scored plenty of goals in the season just gone and a lot of them were thanks to Balogun. At just 21-years-old, he is valued at around €20 million and may be ready to make a mark on Arsenal’s campaign next season. There is little doubt that the London club will receive various calls to loan out the forward and it will be Arteta’s decision whether or not the player stays or not.
Edson Álvarez: The centre-midfielder is undoubtedly one of the stars of the current Mexico side and every day he makes moves to becoming the undisputed leader of the team. The Ajax man has been linked with various moves across Europe after his spectacular season and the most likely destination looks to be the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund.
Santiago Giménez: Finally, the man up top for Diego Cocca is the Mexican of the moment. He has smashed all kinds of records at Feyenoord and is making Tata Martino’s decision to leave him out of the World Cup squad in Qatar - where Mexico failed to find the goal and limped out of the group stages - looks more confusing as time goes on.
On the other side of the draw of the Concacaf Nations League is Canada, who take on Panama in Allegiant Stadium ahead of the USMNT showdown with Mexico. Whoever comes out on top in the earlier kick-off will surely give a tough test in the final.