Liga MX Clausura 2023: 10 young stars to look out for

With the start of the Clausura 2023 just a few hours away, we take a look at some of the promising youth players who could play a decisive role for their teams in this year’s tournament.

Israel Reyes (América)

One of the most promising defenders in the Liga MX today is Israel Reyes. The 22-year-old centre-back had been on América’s wants list for some time, but Puebla tried their best to hang onto him. After Gerardo Martino included him in his list for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Puebla found they could no longer retain him and the young defender recently signed for the Eagles with the hope of landing a starting role in this Clausura 2023.

Emilio Lara (América)

Another of the young players in the América squad is Emilio Lara. The 20-year-old defender showed what he is capable of playing under Santiago Solari, but it was only when Fernando Ortiz took over the reins last year that he earned a regular place within the team. He made 15 starts in the Apertura 2022, contributed a couple of goals and is one of the players to watch out for in this tournament.

Jorge Ruvalcaba (Pumas)

One of the talented young players who people were raving about in the last tournament was Jorge Ruvalcaba. The Pumas youth academy starlet is now and established member of the side. He seized the chance to fill the left wing position when Alan Mozo left to join Chivas in May last year. Now, the 21-year-old has everything he needs to be one of the leading figures in Rafa Puente Jr.’s team.

Omar Campos (Santos)

Omar Campos has improved with time since breaking into the XI at Santos Laguna and impressed during the 2022 Apertura in which he played every game from the regular season to the Liguilla. He ended with two goals, in the games against Cruz Azul and Toluca. This is the moment for him to show he can be one of the team’s references.

Héctor Holguín (Santos)

Another Santos youngster who is making a name for himself is Héctor Holguín. Born in El Paso, Texas, the 21-year-old goalkeeper earned his spurs in the Expansion League and is now vying for a regular place in the side. He made six starts in the Apertura 2022,conceding eight goals in 538 minutes of playing time. Holguín will be competing with Carlos Acevedo and Gibrán Lajud for a place in the XI and has the qualities to succeed.

Jesús Orozco Chiquete (Chivas)

Undoubtedly, the Apertura 2022 was the tournament when Chiquete came into his own. It gave the 20-year-old centre-back the chance to demonstrate his quality and show why the club had had high hopes for him for some time. He belongs to the same generation as [Sebastián Pérez] Bouquet and has similar attributes - both are players who are not afraid of pressure and are always prepared to show their calibre.

Sebastián Pérez-Bouquet (Chivas)

One of the youth players who emerged from Tapatío in the Expansion League is Sebastián Pérez-Bouquet. Little by little, the teenager midfielder has earned an indisputable place at Chivas. He has quality to be a key component in Veljko Paunovic’s side, and is definitely a player to watch as he can only get better.

Rodrigo Huescas (Cruz Azul)

At 19, he is one of the youngest players in this list. Rodrigo Huescas is slowly but surely making his claim for a starting role at Cruz Azul where Potro Gutiérrez has shown faith in him. He was handed regular run-outs towards the end of the regular season and Liguilla during the Aperura 2022 and although he still has plenty to learn, he has shown that he has the capacity to succeed and repay the coach for the confidence he has shown in him so far.

Víctor Guzmán (Tijuana)

This will be Víctor Guzmán’s fourth season with Xolos de Tijuana where he is now a regular in the starting line-up. The 20-year-old centre-back missed just two games in the Apertura 2022; he has experience and youth on his side - two qualities which can be exploited to make him one of the most important players in this tournament.

Ozziel Herrera (Atlas)

During Diego Cocca’s time in charge of Atlas, Ozziel Herrera was the great revelation due to his blistering pace. He enjoyed being a two-time champion with the team and, now, he must make sure he remains at a good level to win a position as one of the current references of the team.