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Patience advised for new Chivas striker Alexis Vega

By Dan Chapman

TORREON, MEXICO - JANUARY 27: Alexis Vega of Chivas kicks the ball during the 4th round match between Santos Laguna and Chivas as part of the Torneo Clausura 2019 Liga MX at Corona Stadium on January 27, 2019 in Torreon, Mexico. (Photo by Armando Marin/Jam Media/Getty Images)
TORREON, MEXICO - JANUARY 27: Alexis Vega of Chivas kicks the ball during the 4th round match between Santos Laguna and Chivas as part of the Torneo Clausura 2019 Liga MX at Corona Stadium on January 27, 2019 in Torreon, Mexico. (Photo by Armando Marin/Jam Media/Getty Images) /
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Having made the high profile move from his boyhood club to giants Chivas, Mexico City native Alexis Vega publicly stated one of his main reasons for the move was to win a place in the Mexico national team.

Due to the fast-paced, short season set-up in Mexico, the soccer world in Mexico operates at a higher speed and impatience is often the result. Especially for high-profile teams, such as the Chivas, Cruz Azul and the Pumas.

While for most European leagues, 5 games into a season is hardly anything to talk about, In Mexico, 5 games is fast approaching the halfway point.

It is inevitable that a high-profile young prospect, a striker no less, would be in the spotlight and that is certainly the case with Alexis Vega of the Chivas. The Mexican soccer media has the 21-year-old Mexico City native under the microscope.

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Vega showed considerable promise last season with Toluca after coming up through their academy system. In December, the Chivas made a deal with Toluca, purchasing Vega’s contract for $9 million dollars as part of a roster overhaul following a dismal Apertura 2018 season for “El Rebaño Sagrado.”

Vega has fit in well with his new teammates, contributing to attacking play and hustling to help on defense, but his stats do not demonstrate his effort.

At face value, 0 goals and 0 assists after 5 games is worrisome and Vega has begun to show signs of frustration, particularly during the game against Veracruz last weekend. He is undoubtedly hungry to score his debut goal, and he was dismayed when he cannoned  a shot off the crossbar early in the first half against the Tiburones.

Some members of the media have begun to question the wisdom of such a big price for the young striker, criticizing his contributions, especially as Guadalajara is winless in its past two games.

What is less clear however – unless you are a Chivas fan, of course – is that Vega has helped transform Chivas’ offensive attack. Though he has not yet proved to be a finisher a la Chicharito, Vega is often very involved in the build-up of play and has formed a good relationship with both Alan Pulido and Isaac Brizuela. Though he has not earned an assist yet, he has been influential in a number of goals.

While it is expected that Vega will be the object of much discussion and everybody will be watching and studying his play, It is important to retain a level of restraint in criticism of him.

It is very likely that Alexis Vega will be a future striker for Mexico and I for one remain convinced that once he gets the elusive first goal for Chivas, he will start scoring for fun. For now, patience is the watchword and let’s allow Vega to do what he does best.

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