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Mac Reséndiz / Omar Flores Aldana
Dec 6, 2023, 18:57 ET
The Impressive Form of Forwards Grabs Jaime Lozano’s Attention
The upcoming friendly game between the Mexican national team and Colombia on December 16 in the United States has caught the eye of coach Jaime Lozano, who will be without the services of Santi Giménez and Raúl Jiménez.
Guillermo Martínez, the forward from Puebla, and Ángel Sepúlveda, the attacker from Cruz Azul, have emerged as potential candidates for the Mexican team. Martínez finished the regular phase of the Apertura 2023 season as the top Mexican scorer, falling just one goal short of matching Colombian champion Harold Preciado’s record. This impressive performance has led Lozano to consider him for the upcoming match against Colombia.
Another standout Mexican forward this season has been Ángel Sepúlveda from Cruz Azul. With nine goals to his name, Sepúlveda has been a key player for his team and a strong contender for the top scorer title. His consistent performances have made him one of Cruz Azul’s best signings and caught the attention of Lozano.
The absence of players from European clubs, due to the match not being on a FIFA Date, means that Lozano will have to look for alternatives. This rules out the usual forwards, Raúl Jiménez and Santiago Giménez. In addition to Martínez and Sepúlveda, Lozano has also considered Henry Martin and Julian Quiñones. However, their participation in the 2023 Apertura Liguilla could make them ineligible if their teams reach the final.
These circumstances have opened the door for players who have had limited opportunities in the Mexican National Team to be considered for the game on December 16.
Martínez and Sepúlveda: Familiar Faces in the Mexican Team
Martínez has previously represented the Mexican national team in the youth categories, so he is not unfamiliar with the environment. Sepúlveda, on the other hand, has already been considered in previous selection processes.
In the upcoming match against Colombia, Lozano will also be without players competing in the 2023 Apertura final and those from León, as the team will be participating in the Club World Cup. This is why he is closely monitoring the performances of attackers like Martínez and Sepúlveda.