Confederations Cup 2013: Players to watch (Part 1)

Mexico

Giovanni Dos Santos, Mallorca (Attacking midfielder/Winger)

It feels like Dos Santos has been around forever, yet he’s only 24. Ever since his triumph at the U-17 World Cup in 2005, Dos Santos has been something of a ‘golden boy’ for Mexico, with many expecting him to emerge as a real superstar. That hasn’t happened, partially down to his club hopping; in the last 4 seasons, he has played for a different club each time.

He is a veteran at the international stage with 62 caps already to his name in which he has scored 14 times. He was a member of the Gold medal winning team at last year’s London Olympics where they beat Brazil in the final. In the 2010 World Cup, he finished 2^nd in the votes for the ‘Young Player of the Tournament’ award behind Germany’s Thomas Müller.

Mallorca have been relegated from the La Liga and the tournament will serve as an important platform for Dos Santos to try and resuscitate his career by drawing the attention of some of the big clubs.

Javier Hernandez, Manchester United (Forward)

‘Chicharito’ played in the shadows of Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney during the 2012-13 season and yet managed 10 goals and 5 assists for Man United in 22 appearances (only 9 of which were starts). Overall, he had 18 goals from 36 appearances, a goal every other game. For Mexico, he has an even better scoring average with 32 goals from 47 caps, 0.69 goals a game.

All of which point to the inescapable fact that the 25 year old is a proven goal scorer, something that his national side will be relying on as they look to go deep in this year’s Confederations Cup.

Andres Guardado, Valencia (Winger)

A key player for Valencia last term after his move from Deportivo La Coruna, Guardado predominantly plays as the left winger and is adept at taking on full backs and whipping in crosses. He has already represented Mexico in 2 World Cups as well as the 2007 Copa America.