5 Oribe Peralta
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Mexico manager Raul Gutierrez was unable to lure Javier Hernandez to join up with the Olympic team, and thus has opted for Oribe Peralta as one of his three over-age players. It might turn out to be a stoke of fortune, as Peralta has great memories of the 2012 Rio Olympics, inspiring his side to a gold medal in London, scoring both goals in a 2-1 win over Brazil in the final, the first of which was the fastest ever goal in the Olympics.
Peralta has been ever-present in the Mexico side since, scoring 22 goals in 50 games for El Tri. The 32-year-old brings with him a wealth of experience, especially in the Olympics – he’s scored 10 goals in 14 games for Mexico in the Olympic edition – and I wouldn’t put it past him to rack up the goals in Brazil this time around as well.
Peralta has plenty of support within the Mexican side, especially with winger Hirving Lozano also present – their styles are complimentary, with the Manchester United-scouted Lozano known for his speed and crosses down the wings which will supply Peralta with plenty of ammunition for his intelligent movement in the box. With minnows Fiji involved in Group C of the Olympics, Peralta might have a great chance to plunder the goals, although he might find it difficult against Germany and South Korea.
