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Get ready to blame him for something: Layun returns!

By Thomas Buckley

Mexico's defender Miguel Layun gestures during the Russia 2018 World Cup round of 16 football match between Brazil and Mexico at the Samara Arena in Samara on July 2, 2018. (Photo by MANAN VATSYAYANA / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - NO MOBILE PUSH ALERTS/DOWNLOADS (Photo credit should read MANAN VATSYAYANA/AFP/Getty Images)
Mexico's defender Miguel Layun gestures during the Russia 2018 World Cup round of 16 football match between Brazil and Mexico at the Samara Arena in Samara on July 2, 2018. (Photo by MANAN VATSYAYANA / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - NO MOBILE PUSH ALERTS/DOWNLOADS (Photo credit should read MANAN VATSYAYANA/AFP/Getty Images) /
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Get ready for the critics to come out of the woodwork. The player the Mexican sports media loves to hate – Miguel Layun – has returned to Mexico.

Miguel Layun has signed with Monterrey, coming back across the pond from Spain where he was playing with Villarreal in La Liga. The ambidextrous fullback/midfielder, now 30, returns to Liga MX – for the second time – after spending four years plying his trade in Europe.

Layún played in two World Cups for El Tri and could potentially make the squad in 2022 (anything is possible this far out, especially if he displays the form he enjoyed the past 4 to 5 years), so why is he so vilified in the press at home? A favorite whipping boy of the Mexican media, the constant criticism even spawned a humorous hashtag on Twitter – #TodoEsCulpaDeLayin (it’s all Layun’s fault).

The native of Veracruz (Córdoba, 1988), worked his way up through the Veracruz academy and debuted in first division with the Tuburones at the age of 19 on March 28, 2007, against Necaxa. Two years later, the 22-year-old Layún made the leap to Europe, signing a contract with bottom-tier Serie A club Atlanta.

For some reason, the move was ridiculed in the press, especially as he did not get much playing time, nor did he distinguish himself when he did. Some accused him of arrogance and chutzpah, having a high opinion of himself. But Layún was the first Mexican to ever play in Serie A, one of the world’s best leagues. So why no credit? If anything, his ambition should have been applauded.

The Italian job

His tour of Italy didn’t last long and Layún signed with América, returning to Mexico at a time when the Aguilas were playing at historically poor levels. The fact that not much was known of this kid who had spent six months in Italy allowed pundits to assign outlandish expectations at the feet of the new acquisition. And thus, blame for the team’s continued failures which included a 3-win season (17th-place finish) in 2011.

The Wikipedia entry for Layún claims that the media attacks became so personal that the native of Veracruz was scared to be out and about in public, fearful that besotted and infuriated América fans might attack. As a result, he was said to consult psychological help.

But then Miguel “El Piojo” Herrera was hired to coach the Aguilas. Success followed and Layún contributed. Layún was the unquestioned starter at right back though his aptitude with both feet allowed coach Herrera the flexibility to send Layún to cover the right back position as well, and he did so with aplomb.

América reached the semifinals in both the Clausura 2012 and Apertura 2012 seasons. The following season – Clausura 2013 – the Aguilas finished the regular season in second place, then edged Cruz Azul for the Liga MX crown in a thrilling Final that ended in penalty kicks. And Layún converted the winning penalty kick!

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The next season, América finished atop the standings but lost in the Final to León, a team that would go on to win again the next season.

As a result of his strong play with América, Layún was a regular call-up to Team Mexico and he played all four games as left back for El Tri at Brazil 2014, going the full 90 minutes in each.

Six months after the World Cup ended, Layún returned to Europe, signing a deal with Watford, a modest second division team in England. Naturally, he was slammed for going to a lower division team, but that spring he helped Watford win promotion to the Premier League.

Layún had only played two Premier League games when it was announced that he’d been sold to Porto, a traditional power in Portugal. He spent three years with the Blue Dragons, scored four goals in UEFA Champions League matches and won a Primeira Liga title.

At the same time, he was a regular presence wearing green for Mexico throughout the qualifying process for the 2018 World Cup. Then, in El Tri’s final game in Russia 2018, Layún gained some respect from Team Mexico fans for his takedown of Neymar and his refusal to back down in the ensuing melee.

Layun returns
SAMARA, RUSSIA – Neymar stares up at Miguel Layún after the latter tackled him out of bounds during their July 2, 2018, World Cup match. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

The past year, Layún has been toiling in Spain, splitting time between Sevilla and Villarreal, scoring twice for Sevilla last season, but only getting into 8 games with Villarreal this season. With the notion that he’d stand a better chance of getting playing time back in Mexico (and thus, a better chance of attracting the attention of new Team Mexico coach Gerardo Martino), Layún is now back in Mexico.

Of course, now if the Rayados fail to win the Clausura MX title, you know where the blame lies. That’s right: #TodoEsCulpaDeLayun!

Let the media hatchet men loose!

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