Monterrey’s welcome headache: How will Rayados line up after Uros Durdevic’s arrival?
Durdevic’s signing gives Rayados more firepower, but it also forces Domenec Torrent to make a difficult choice up front.
Rayados de Monterrey have a growing problem on their hands, and it is the kind most coaches welcome. With the arrival of Montenegro striker Uros Durdevic, the club now faces a difficult decision in attack, as one forward will have to be sacrificed to give the newcomer a regular starting role and rebalance the offensive setup.
Head coach Domenec Torrent confirmed Durdevic’s signing this week, officially unveiling the Serb as Monterrey’s latest attacking reinforcement for the Clausura 2026 campaign.
Torrent made it clear that Durdevic’s arrival comes at a key moment for the club, particularly following the departure of one of Rayados’ main goal scorers. According to the coach, the new signing provides an important alternative and adds much needed depth to the squad.
Why Rayados went shopping for a striker
The Spanish manager explained that Durdevic was brought in to expand the team’s attacking options. He emphasized that the forward offers qualities Monterrey previously lacked, especially his ability on the ball and his knack for creating chances in and around the penalty area.
Torrent believes those traits will give Rayados more flexibility in the final third, allowing the team to attack in different ways rather than relying on a single pattern or profile up front.
How Durdevic differs from Germán Berterame
Torrent also outlined the key differences between Durdevic and former Rayados striker Germán Berterame. While Berterame stood out for his speed and his ability to exploit open space, Durdevic is a more versatile forward who excels with his back to goal and in link-up play.
The coach pointed out that the Serbian-born striker has already proven his scoring touch both in Liga MX and in Spanish soccer, a track record that helped convince the club to invest in his signing. Torrent also praised Durdevic’s professionalism and commitment, both on the field and off it.
Internal competition and the likely casualty
In the Clausura 2026 tournament, Rayados have primarily lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Luis Cárdenas has been the starting goalkeeper, with a back line featuring Ricardo Chávez, Fidel Ambriz, Daniel Aceves and Gerardo Arteaga.
In midfield, Carlos Salcedo has operated in a holding role, while the creative burden has fallen on Sergio Canales. He has been supported by Jesús Corona, Omar Torres and Anthony Martial, all players with a strong attacking mindset.
Within that system, Monterrey typically deploys a single recognized striker. That role initially belonged to Germán Berterame, and after his departure to Inter Miami, the coaching staff turned to Roberto de la Rosa as the focal point of the attack.
However, Durdevic’s arrival changes the equation. Increased competition at striker means De la Rosa is one of the players who could see his spot in the starting lineup come under threat, as Torrent looks to fit his new signing into an already crowded attacking unit.
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