Why Javier Aquino Is the Mexico Player with Most to Prove Heading into 2015
Karla Villegas Gama@karlitsv
Featured ColumnistJanuary 13, 2015
Javier Aquino had a rough 2014. Not only he arrived in Rayo Vallecano on a one-season loan, he barely made Mexico World Cup team and missed several key friendlies.
Aquino seemed to be one of the most promising Mexicans between 2011 and 2012. Back then he appeared regularly with Cruz Azul, which ultimately landed him a spot in El Tri's U23 squad.
In less than a year, the winger won the Pan American Games, CONCACAF Olympic Qualifier, Toulon Tournament and Summer Olympics.
His superb performance in London 2012 caught the attention of Spanish club Villarreal, then a second-division squad. Ultimately the Yellow Submarine bought him in 2013, as reported by Goal.
But Aquino's performance with the Mexico senior team was far from impressive. The rivals overpowered him constantly, which was more evident in the 2013 Confederations Cup.
His lack of explosiveness and power under Jose Manuel de la Torre’s command didn’t hurt his chances with Miguel Herrera. However, his inconsistencies were enough for El Piojo to leave Aquino out of his 23-man list for the World Cup.
Aquino eventually made the trip to Brazil because Luis Montes suffered a fracture days away from the competition's kick off.
During the tournament the midfielder played 30 minutes in the round of 16. He completed all the passes he sent (nine), he neither shot once nor created a single goal opportunity.
Despite it all, Herrera called the Rayo Vallecano midfielder for the Chile, Bolivia, Honduras and Panama friendlies.
Unfortunately, Aquino only appeared against The Green. He played 90 minutes, completed 74 percent of the passes he sent and recovered four balls, per Mi Seleccion (Spanish).
He spent 270 minutes on the bench and wasn’t called again in 2014, even though Mexico traveled to Europe to face the Netherlands and Belarus in November.
He hasn't had luck in the 2014/15 La Liga season either. Aquino has appeared 13 times, but has only started six games.
His shot accuracy is as low as 38 percent, while his pass completion equals 75 percent.
If there's something to highlight from his performances, is the goal opportunities he has created. So far he has 17, including two assists.
Aquino is definitely far from being the footballer we saw in the Summer Olympics. The way back to the top won't be easy, especially since coach Herrera has seen a couple of players who can take over the right flank successfully.
For starters, Hector Herrera (not related).
The Porto midfielder was the only Mexican who appeared in The Guardian's top 100 footballers of 2014. He was instrumental in helping his club reach the Champions League round of 16.
He scored two times in the group stage, for a shot accuracy of 100 percent, he had three assists and three key passes, plus nine interceptions.
With El Tri, Herrera has been fundamental to break the lines. His speed, dribbling skills and fine touch give Mexico flexibility and the element of surprise.
Then we have Jesus Manuel Corona.
The 22-year-old has been a thriving force for Twente. This season he has put the ball away three times in 12 Eredivisie matches.
His pass completion equals 81 percent, he has created 13 goal opportunities, including four assists, and he has made 12 interceptions.
Corona debuted in Mexico’s 2-3 victory over the Netherlands in November. He played 19 minutes and assisted Carlos Vela for Mexico's second goal.
So the competition is fierce.
Aquino has a long way to go if he wants to reappear with El Tri. He needs to leave his heart and soul on the pitch whenever he has a chance to play with Rayo Vallecano, or he can kiss goodbye his chance to return to the national team.
There's no tomorrow for Aquino. Coach Herrera needs a lot of players this year, because he has to set up two competitive squads for the Copa America and Gold Cup.
Can Aquino make the cut?