The midfield

This is where things can get interesting. Mexico has a strong back line, decent wingers, a serviceable front line, but it is the midfielders that are tasked to hold it all together. Will this group be able to stoke the fires in the Mexico possession game, or are they just going to blow a bunch of hot air?

Pavel Pardo — One of the defensive midfielders. This is his 2nd tour of duty in the world cup. He plays well enough as a DM, but his temper does get him into trouble, as it did in the 1-1 draw with Panama. He has a great outside shot, and serves great balls to the forwards.

Gerardo Torrado — I have always liked Torrado, and he can definitely be counted on as a DM. Word was at the beginning of the training camp, Israel Lopez and he were battling for one spot. Torrado is a steady, calming influence on the pitch. I would prefer to have him ahead of Pardo as a starter.

Luis Ernesto Perez – He is a very talented attacking midfielder. He is one of the more creative players on the squad. He is not the fastest guy in the world, but he can find the open guy or unleash from outside the 18.

Antonio Naelson Zinha He played in the 2nd half of the Venezuela match after not seeing action for 2 months due to a meniscus tear. For better or for worse, he is La Volpe’s choice as one of the attacking midfielders. His passing can be erratic at times, but he is good for at least one really good pass or shot a game.

Jesus Arellano Another player who is returning from knee injury. One of the more intriguing questions leading up to the cup is how much will La Volpe lean on the Cabrito. Will he be the trigger man for the offense? Is he going to play the right wing in a 4-4-2? Will his unfortunate tendency of lack of finishing at the cup level return in all its glory?

Israel Lopez Lopez had a good spell with Toluca in the clausura, and is another La Volpe pet, but Torrado is far more consistent. He is one my leading candidates to be dropped. As is

Chiquis Garcia La Volpe has said he needs a left footed DM, and would count on Chiquis for that spot. But Chiquis was releagetd to the bench with Atlas, and would be just a warm body to fill the spot. Like I mentioned in the Carrileros profile, if Jimmy Lozano shows he has the stones to be a stronger defender, then Chiquis is another candidate to be cut.

Lest we forget that 3 of the 4 carilleros are versatile enough to play the left midfield slot. This is not the strongest group of midfielders Mexico has ever had, but it is also not the weakest. If they cannot hold possession of the ball for long periods of time, than La Volpe may be forced to bring up Rafa and sub for Suarez as the sweeper.