Mexico Squad Preview: Santi Gimenez Poised for Comeback Against Saudi Arabia
Mexico prepares for their next challenge against Saudi Arabia in the Gold Cup quarterfinal match scheduled for Saturday, June 28th.
Although El Tri secured the top position in Group A, their performance in the opening three matches fell short of expectations. Under Javier Aguirre's guidance, the team maintained defensive stability, but struggled with offensive creativity and effectiveness in attacking situations.
The starting formation will undergo modifications as central defender César Montes faces suspension from accumulated yellow cards, compounded by the devastating injury news that midfielder Luis Chávez suffered an ACL tear during this week's training session.
Aguirre is expected to return to the 4-4-2 system after testing a 4-3-3 setup in their final group stage encounter. This tactical shift creates an opportunity for Santiago Gimenez to rejoin the starting eleven alongside Raúl Jiménez in attack.
Below is Mexico's anticipated formation against Saudi Arabia in the Gold Cup quarterfinal round.
Mexico Predicted Lineup vs. Saudi Arabia (4-4-2)
GK: Luis Malagón—The Club América shot-stopper has established himself as El Tri's primary goalkeeper, surpassing Guillermo Ochoa in the pecking order.
RB: Israel Reyes—Following Jorge Sánchez's lackluster display against Costa Rica, Reyes may reclaim his position on the right flank of the defense.
CB: Edson Álvarez—The Mexican captain will fill the void left by Montes' absence in central defense. While Aguirre typically utilizes him as a defensive midfielder, his recent standout performances for El Tri have come in the center-back role.
CB: Johan Vásquez—This 26-year-old defender has emerged as one of the region's premier center-backs. His impressive displays might attract interest from larger European clubs, potentially leading to a departure from Serie A side Genoa.
LB: Jesús Gallardo—Gallardo remains a consistent presence in Mexico's defensive line and will earn his 110th international appearance.
CM: Erik Lira—Lira will step into the lineup to provide midfield stability with Álvarez moving to defense. The Cruz Azul player's remarkable development over the past year suggests a potential European transfer could materialize soon.
CM: Marcel Ruiz—The Gold Cup has provided Ruiz with significant opportunities to showcase his abilities with El Tri. The Toluca midfielder brings versatility and can operate effectively across all areas of the field.
RM: Roberto Alvarado—Alvarado seems to have earned Aguirre's confidence as the preferred right-wing option. The Chivas player enjoys drifting inward to create central attacking opportunities, though his physical limitations remain evident at international level.
LM: Alexis Vega—Last season's standout performer in Liga MX has yet to demonstrate his peak form with El Tri. Vega's Gold Cup contributions have been minimal, and he'll be eager to make his mark in the elimination phase.
ST: Raúl Jiménez—The Fulham forward remains Mexico's most influential player. His ability to connect play is crucial for maximizing Mexico's attacking potential, although his finishing has been less clinical in recent outings.
ST: Santiago Gimenez—Gimenez will return to the starting lineup as the "Ji-Gi" combination gets another opportunity. The AC Milan striker hasn't found the net for El Tri in competitive action since the 2023 Gold Cup final and appears determined to break this scoring drought.