Mexico’s early matches under Rafael Márquez have offered a first look at the players making the strongest individual case, from the 1-1 draws with Colombia and Peru to a difficult 3-0 defeat against the United States. Israel Reyes, Víctor Guzmán and Orbelín Pineda each led the team’s match ratings across the three friendlies, while young Gilberto Mora supplied a memorable equaliser against Colombia.
Key takeaways
- Israel Reyes received Mexico’s highest rating, 8.1, in the 1-1 draw against Colombia.
- Gilberto Mora scored Mexico’s levelling goal against Colombia before physical discomfort interrupted his involvement.
- Víctor Guzmán was rated 7.8 and scored in the 1-1 match with Peru.
- Orbelín Pineda led Mexico’s ratings with 7.4 despite the 3-0 loss to the United States.
- The three friendlies have allowed Márquez to assess alternatives during his opening spell in charge.
Defenders set the early standard
Against Colombia, Reyes emerged as Mexico’s standout performer with an 8.1 rating. The defender finished ahead of Jesús Gallardo, rated 7.8, and Johan Vásquez, who received 7.7, as Mexico fought out a 1-1 draw.
Mora gave that evening an important attacking note by scoring the equaliser. The young player made an immediate impression with the minutes handed to him, although subsequent physical problems prevented him from building on that appearance.
Mexico’s next friendly, against Peru, again ended 1-1 and again produced a defender at the top of the individual assessments. Guzmán earned a 7.8 rating and also made his contribution count at the other end, scoring Mexico’s equalising goal after being given an opportunity within Márquez’s rotation.
Pineda stands out in a difficult United States night
The final match of the three-game sequence took Mexico into a 3-0 defeat against the United States. There was little comfort in the scoreline, but Pineda was the highest-rated Mexican player on the night with a mark of 7.4.
The midfielder’s display placed him above his teammates in the post-match evaluations, even as Mexico were unable to halt the United States’ control of the result.
Across this opening set of friendlies, Reyes, Guzmán and Pineda have each been the leading-rated Mexico player in one match. Mora’s goal against Colombia adds another individual marker from a period in which Márquez has been able to test personnel and consider different options for the national side.
