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Liga MX: Chivas ink Villalpando as roster overhaul begins

By Jahir M. Martinez

AGUASCALIENTES, MEXICO - AUGUST 18: Dieter Villalpando of Necaxa controls the ball during the fifth round match between Necaxa and Puebla as part of the Torneo Apertura 2018 Liga MX at Victoria Stadium on August 18, 2018 in Aguascalientes, Mexico. (Photo by Jaime Lopez/Jam Media/Getty Images)
AGUASCALIENTES, MEXICO - AUGUST 18: Dieter Villalpando of Necaxa controls the ball during the fifth round match between Necaxa and Puebla as part of the Torneo Apertura 2018 Liga MX at Victoria Stadium on August 18, 2018 in Aguascalientes, Mexico. (Photo by Jaime Lopez/Jam Media/Getty Images) /
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When Clausura 2019 kicks off, the Chivas plan to have a couple of new faces on the team and Dieter Villalpando is one of them.

Team management is rushing to strengthen the team after a disappointing Apertura 2018 that saw “El Rebaño Sagrado” finish 11th in the Liga MX table.

The idea is to stimulate heavy competition across the board to make one of Mexico’s Big Four relevant again. Dieter Villalpando  a talented player that can be utilized in midfield, was introduced as the newest Chivas player on Wednesday.

Who is Dieter Villalpando? The 27-year-old midfielder made his Liga MX debut with Pachuca in the Clausura 2014 season. The Mexico City native has played with several first division teams since leaving Pachuca, with stops at the Tigres, Morelia, Atlas Chiapas and most recently with Necaxa where he earned steady playing time. This move to Guadalajara is a promising reboot to his career.

Dieter Villalpando spent the last 18 months with Necaxa. He’ll suit up for the Chivas in the Clausura 2019 season. (Photo by Felix Cuneo/Jam Media/Getty Images)
Dieter Villalpando spent the last 18 months with Necaxa. He’ll suit up for the Chivas in the Clausura 2019 season. (Photo by Felix Cuneo/Jam Media/Getty Images) /

Guadalajara is not losing much time during this offseason, a longer offseason than they wanted since the Chivas did not make it to the Liguilla for a third consecutive time. There have been plenty of names bandied about, lots of  rumors about who was on the Chivas wish list for the Clausura 2019.

Villalpando is coming off one of his best seasons with Necaxa, scoring two goals and recording two assists. He started the Copa MX Clausura 2018 final, and played the entire SuperCopa MX, both of which Necaxa won. He also started 13 matches for the Rayos in the Apertura 2018.

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Chivas coach José Cardozo stated that he envisions Villalpando adding more distribution from midfield, creating plays in attack and supporting the defense. He hopes to pair him with “Chofis” Lopez, taking advantage of their playmaking abilities. Without a doubt Villalpando is worth the risk the team is taking on him.

The Chivas are not finished bringing aboard new players. Querétaro defender Hiram Mier, 29, could be a perfect fit for Guadalajara’s back line. Toluca striker Alexis Vega, 21, is being targeted and the Chivas are closing in on matching the buyout fee. The dangerous young striker would fill a position of need.

With the return of young players like Alejandro Mayorga (a left back who was out on loan with Necaxa), José Juan Macias (a striker who missed time with Chivas while on duty with the Under-20 national team) and Ronaldo Cisneros (on loan with Ascenso MX team Zacatepec), Cardozo will have the proper players for his system of play.

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