3 players to watch in El Tri friendly vs Trinidad and Tobago

Team Mexico faces Trinidad and Tobago in a friendly at Toluca’s Estadio Nemesio Diez ahead of the Concacaf Nations League.

Coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino summoned a youthful roster as El Tri prepares for the inaugural Concacaf Nations League with a friendly against Trinidad and Tobago. It’s worth keeping an eye on these youngsters who have a chance to earn make an impression on the road to Qatar 2022.

Here are three players who could be difference makers against Trinidad and Tobago on Wednesday and beyond.

Left back Gerardo Arteaga

Arteaga debuted for Santos in Liga MX during the Apertura 2016 season at the age of 18, appearing in 69 games for the Guerreros since then. He was a key member of the championship-winning side in the Clausura 2018. The Jalisco native is a regular starter for first-place Santos this season, earning 11 starts. Arteaga is known for his speed and quickness, transitioning well into an attacker when the Guerreros move forward. He is also a willing participant in counter-attacks and will likely be called upon by coach Martino to get forward down the left flank and deliver crosses.

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Midfielder Adrian Lozano

We aren’t playing favorites putting a second Santos player on the list, but he has forced his way into the starting line-up under coach Guillermo Almada. The 20-year-old from Torreon, Coahuila, has made a name for himself since making his debut in July. Lozano has started 10 out of the 11 games Santos has played this season, scoring two goals, including a beauty against FC Juarez. Some might say his numbers are not so impressive but he makes his presence felt with his anticipation and hustle. Lozano is used at times down the right side with Santos but is a natural left-footer, and is clever with the ball at his feet.

Midfielder Jose Joaquin Esquivel

The 20-year-old Esquivel has been a starter for FC Juarez all season as a defensive midfielder. He has also been a key performer on El Tri’s junior teams, playing regularly with both the Under-17 and Under-20 sides. Esquivel was a starter on Mexico’s Under-22 team that won a bronze medal, proving to be a solid and reliable performer in front of the back line.

Other players who must be considered potential stars are midfielder Sebastian Cordova, right back Alan Mozo, midfielder Jonathan Gonzalez, fullback/midfielder Erik Aguirre and striker Jose Juan Macias. Each of these players is playing an important role on their club team in Liga MX.

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