Álvaro Fidalgo: The Brains and Engine of Club América

The midfield maestro driving Club América’s success.
Monterrey v America - Final Torneo Apertura 2024 Liga MX
Monterrey v America - Final Torneo Apertura 2024 Liga MX | Hector Vivas/GettyImages

Since joining Club América, Álvaro Fidalgo has established himself as one of the most influential midfielders in Liga MX. Since joining the club from Spanish side C. D. Castellón in 2021, his impact has gone beyond scoring goals: he controls the team’s rhythm, creates opportunities, provides assists, and makes a difference in crucial matches.

Under André Jardine’s guidance, Fidalgo has evolved his playing style, combining vision, creativity, and attacking presence, becoming the true engine of the Azulcremas.

An Elite Midfielder in Liga MX

During the Liga MX Clausura 2025, Fidalgo stood out as one of América’s key figures, recording seven goals and nine assists. His passing accuracy was particularly remarkable, averaging ~63 passes per match with nearly 90% success, making him one of the league’s most complete midfielders.

Beyond the numbers, his game relies on intelligence and decision-making under pressure. Fidalgo not only generates scoring opportunities but also joins in with attacks, contributing goals in key moments. His outstanding performance earned him a spot in the Best XI of Clausura 2025, confirming his status as one of the league’s top midfielders.

The start of Liga MX Apertura 2025 has reaffirmed his prominence. In just six matches, Fidalgo has already scored four goals, approaching his personal best in Liga MX. His passing accuracy of 94.7% highlights his central role in the team’s build-up play, ensuring smooth ball circulation and creating constant opportunities for his teammates.

Although he experienced a minor knee injury that forced him to exit early against Juárez, the club has worked to protect him, recognizing his critical role in midfield. 

International Impact: Leagues Cup and Concacaf Champions Cup

In both the Leagues Cup 2025 and Concacaf Champions Cup, Fidalgo has proven his talent extends beyond the domestic league. He scored decisive goals in the continent's biggest competition, helping América advance through the knockout stages, while showcasing his ability to influence high-stakes matches.

América failed to progress beyond the group stages in the Leagues Cup 2025, but Fidalgo’s presence in midfield was key to maintaining cohesion and ball circulation, acting as a constant reference point for his teammates.

Comparison with Other Top Midfielders

To better understand the current landscape of elite midfielders in Liga MX, here is a look at some of the most influential players:

  • Sergio Canales (Monterrey): The Spanish playmaker brings vast European experience and elegance on the ball. With excellent vision and creativity, he often acts as the link between midfield and attack. Canales contributed with six goals and seven assists in Clausura 2025, standing out for his set-piece delivery and ability to dictate tempo in the final third.
  • Elías Montiel (Toluca): A rising talent, Montiel has proven to be one of the most dynamic midfielders in the league. In Clausura 2025, he registered four goals and five assists, but beyond the numbers, his box-to-box energy and intensity make him indispensable. He recovers balls, transitions quickly, and consistently drives his team forward.
  • Marcel Ruiz (Toluca): Known for his offensive presence from midfield, Ruiz scored five goals and six assists in Clausura 2025. His style is more vertical, oriented toward late runs into the box and direct attacking contributions rather than orchestrating play.
  • Fernando Beltrán (Chivas): Provides balance and recovery, with two goals and five assists in Clausura 2025. His role focuses on defensive transitions and maintaining midfield stability, though with less offensive weight compared to the others.

The contrast between these players shows the variety of midfield profiles in Liga MX: Sergio Canales as the seasoned creator with European experience, Elías Montiel as the energetic box-to-box engine, Marcel Ruiz as the attacking interior, and Fernando Beltrán as the stabilizer. Meanwhile, Álvaro Fidalgo stands out as the most complete blend of these roles, combining control, creativity, and goal contribution in a way that few others can match.

Leadership and Tactical Role

Beyond statistics, Fidalgo is the brains of Club América. His ability to read the game, make precise decisions, and maintain team balance under pressure makes him a natural leader on the field. His influence is reflected not only in gameplay but also in the motivation and confidence he instils in teammates.

The club recognizes his value and considers him essential to the long-term project, ensuring his continuity and protecting his physical condition to maintain peak performance 

Álvaro Fidalgo is far more than a midfielder: he is the creative and strategic engine of Club América, capable of controlling the match’s rhythm, generating opportunities, scoring decisive goals, and leading the team in critical moments. His influence extends across Liga MX and international tournaments, establishing him as one of the most complete and influential midfielders in the league today.

Maintaining his physical and tactical condition is essential for América to remain competitive. Fidalgo’s leadership, vision, and creativity make him a reference for the present and the future of the club.

Do you think Álvaro Fidalgo is currently the most complete midfielder in Liga MX, or is there another player who could match his influence?

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