Way Too Early 2022 Mexico World Cup Squad!

The year is 2020, in 2018 that would have felt like years ahead (I’ll see myself out). The 2022 Qatar World Cup is only less than two years away. Qualifications have been underway. Mexico National Team under coach Tata Martino has been alright. Not amazing, but at the same time he’s giving youngsters who never had an opportunity or are on the up and up opportunities.

This is a way too early starting 11 for Mexico in 2022. With each position, we will have two spots. A Starter and bench alternative. The formation will be a similar one both Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino and Juan Carlos Osorio played with heavily in a 4-3-3.

Starters;                                                               Bench;

Forwards:

ST: Raul Jimenez. (Wolves)                           Bench: J.J Macias. (Chivas)

LW: Hirving Lozano. (Napoli)                        Bench: Roberto Alvarado (Cruz Azul)

RW: Carlos Vela (LAFC)                                  Bench: Uriel Antuna (Chivas)

Midfield:                                                             Bench:

CM: Erick Gutierrez (PSV)                              Bench: Andres Guardado (Real Betis)

CM: Hector Herrera (Atletico Madrid)        Bench: Diego Lainez (Real Betis)

CDM: Edson Alvarez (Ajax)                            Bench: Jonathan Dos Santos (LA Galaxy)

Defense:                                                            Bench:

LB: Jesus Gallardo (Monterrey)                     Bench: Cristian Calderon (Chivas)

CB: Nestor Araujo (Celta Vigo)                      Bench: Cesar Montes (Monterrey)

CB: Carlos Salcedo (Tigres)                            Bench: Diego Reyes (Tigres)

RB: Jesus Corona (Porto F.C)                         Bench:  Fernando Navarro (Leon)

Goalkeeper

GK: Rodolfo Cota (Leon)                                 Bench: Guillermo Ochoa (America)

Alright before I get murdered. Let me explain myself. Starting with forwards. It’s unlikely that Carlos Vela will play in 2022, but if there is any occasion, he does it would be a World Cup. No Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez because it’s Raul Jimenez’s time to shine, and as J.J Macias develops more he may even take Raul’s place in the future. A lot can change in 2 years.

The midfield is going to make some people mad, but Andres Guardado as of the 2022 World Cup that takes place in December will be 35 years old. Not saying he won’t be able to perform, he is still the national team captain but will be a step slower reminiscent of Rafa Marquez at the 2014 World Cup. Rafa Marquez was 38 at the, 2018 Russia World Cup.

As of the defense, there is only so much to go off, only so many defenders with experience with the National Team. Hector Moreno is on the way out of the National team after basically retiring by playing the Saudi league. Diego Reyes and Cesar Montes are getting quality minutes in Liga MX so they could be starting.

Jesus ‘Tecatito’ Corona at right-back is what F.C  Porto did and it’s paying dividends currently. He is playing well at that position and could be what Miguel Layun was in 2014 as a decent defender with quality going forward in the attack.

As far as Goalkeepers go Guillermo Ochoa will be 36 years old, but could still be playing at a high level. Don’t be surprised if Rodolfo Cota gets the call-up. He will be 34 which is pushing old, but manageable There also are other good keepers as Hugo Gonzalez, but he still has to show more to start for Mexico.

That was my list, what do you think?