Mexico: Why Marco Fabian Can Make El Tri's World Cup Squad

Marco Fabian has one goal in mind: To convince Mexico coach Miguel Herrera that he is fit for this summer's World Cup.

After Cruz Azul defeated Puebla on Matchday 7, the midfielder told the local press:

I look forward to being part of the team, I keep mentioning it at every moment, and my dream is to play in the World Cup.

But does he really have a chance?

Fabian made his professional debut in 2007 with Chivas de Guadalajara. Four years later he became one of the most promising Mexican footballers as he scored 17 goals in 37 appearances (2011 Clausura and 2011 Apertura).

However, 2011 was a year of contrasts and his goal-scoring knack was tainted during training for the Copa America. 

The Mexican Football Federation informed that eight players would not appear in the tournament because they had been partying and taking girls to their rooms. Fabian was amongst them and he was suspended for six months and received a fine for $3,770 (50,000 pesos).

That scandal would be the first of many to come, including a controversial goal celebration in October and partying in Las Vegas, when he was supposed to be resting from an injury.

He had good moments as well, like winning the CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying Tournament, the Toulon Tournament and the Olympic Gold Medal, all in 2012.

Last year he was close to leaving Mexico as he was linked to a Qatari club, according to the then Chivas sporting president Dennis Te Kloese.

Ultimately, Fabian stayed one more season but the indiscipline continued; in October several fans spotted him drinking two days before a game against Club America, which Guadalajara lost.

Finally, the midfielder arrived in Cruz Azul in a year-long loan deal and his fortune started to change.

"La Maquina" hired Luis Fernando Tena, the same manager behind Mexico's U-23 success in 2013.

Tena has already coached with Fabian and it seems like the history between them is working like a charm.

Up to Matchday 7, Fabian is the third best scorer of the 2014 Clausura and the best Mexican of the tournament—with four goals it was his most successful start in the Liga MX since he debuted.

He has played six games, for a total of 503 minutes, and has one assist.

His talent has been overshadowed by his flamboyant personal life, but there is no doubt that Fabian has what it takes to be on Mexico's senior team with which he made his first appearance in a friendly match against Venezuela in 2012.

A year after he played in the Gold Cup, and despite El Tri's shameful performance, Fabian was the squad's top scorer with three goals to his name.

He is the kind of footballer who can be lethal either playing through the flanks or behind the striker.

Fabian has great ball control and distribution, which help him send crosses to the heart of the box as he approaches the goal line, but he also has an educated long-distance shot and the speed and strength needed to step into the box to surprise the goalie.

The competition for a starting spot will be fierce. Fabian will compete with some of the Liga MX's superstars, like Carlos Pena and Luis Montes, and the footballers who play abroad, such as Hector Herrera and Javier Aquino.

Those mentioned above have not only delivered good performances, they have also stayed away of the kind of trouble that Fabian has been in.

If Miguel Herrera gives him the chance to play in any of Mexico's future friendly games, he needs to stay patient and take advantage of the minutes he receives.

His aspirations are tied to discipline and consistency more than to talent. As soon as he falters he can kiss the World Cup goodbye.

Spanish sources cited in this article translated by the author unless otherwise noted. 

All data provided by MedioTiempo.com unless otherwise stated.

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