Where is “Gallito” Vazquez in Mexico’s World Cup roster?

With the recent list of 28 players being called up to the 2018 World Cup, questions have been asked (when don’t they) as to why some players have been left out. One of the biggest ones being the 2014 World Cup defensive midfielder Jose Juan “Gallito” Vazquez, who arguably made a huge difference the entire 2014 World Cup. His absence during the emotional fourth match vs Holland showed how much Gallito Vazquez was missed.

Gallito has not only made an impact with the national team, but with the various clubs he has engaged in, winning titles with Leon, Chivas and now Santos Laguna. Coming from playing in the lowest division in Mexico all the way to the highest has given Jose Juan Vazquez a pedigree that is unmatched in Mexican fútbol.

The question is — how is it that a successful player like Gallito is not even considered in Osorio’s list of 28 players, which will eventually be narrowed down to 23? A player like him, one that commands the midfield, recovers, distributes, and helps create a balance between the defensive and offensive lines.

Osorio stated during his press conference that he took Molina over Gallito due to his “aerial” game and set-piece defending, something that has caused 33% of goals netted against Mexico. In the World Cup, all of Mexico’s rivals have a height advantage over El Tri, reason enough to take Molina over Gallito. With only weeks to go until the World Cup, Gallito’s only hope of being in Russia now is a miracle, something that would only be possible if any injuries take place leading into the World Cup.