Player Profile – Andres Guardado

Has any player for Mexico enjoyed such a meteoric rise as Andres Guardado? Despite only 4 caps with the senior side, many hinchas Mexicanos are looking to Guardado to make a lot of noise in Germany.
The 19 year-old graduate of the Atlas Academy took the field for the first time in the 4th game of this year’s Apertura, and by the 7th game he was installed as the starting mid-fielder on the left side. The Academia is renowned for developing top-notch talent for the parent club. One its more recent graduates is Rafael Marquez.
Since he has been installed as starter he has scored 2 goals, and has 2 assists. His maturity and consistency caught the eye of National Team coach, Ricardo Lavolpe, who called him for the first time in December, 2005 v. Hungary.
Guardado has since been called up for every friendly in 2006, and has taken advantage of the opportunity. Playing on the left side of the formation, Guardado has deft touch on his centering passes, and has good accuracy on his shooting. The weight of the national team shirt does not seem to bother him at all. He sees the field well, which allows him to take a few more risks. He also hustles back to recover possession. Lavolpe himself has said that the youngster is making a strong case to be included on the final list.
Now before we anoint him the player who “pone la crema al taco”, we have to remember that he is only 19. He has only one year of experience playing in the league, and only 4 caps. But isn’t that why we like him so much? Some say he can be used as a change of pace, much like the Cabrito Arellano in France. Others say he should be named to the starting XI. I think he can excel in both roles. But everyone can agree on one thing: he will be on the squad that goes to Germany. And if he distinguishes himself this summer, chances are good he will clock in somewhere on the old continent.