Ratings
- A1 – Very good, could play higher
- A2 – Strong potential to play higher
- B1 – Good, strong player at level
- B2 – Potential to be strong player at level
- C – Average for the level, rewatch
- D – Below average, don’t follow up
Player profile:
- Nationality: Mexican
- Age: 23
- Date of birth: 17/10/1996
- Current Club: Atlas FC
- Career: Atlas FC
- Position: Defensive Midfield
- Secondary Position: Central Midfield
- Preferred foot: Right
Edgar Zaldivar had an impressive game at the heart of the Atlas midfield. He played a key role in their build up play, providing an important link between the defence and attack, especially in transitions. The Mexican never seemed rushed when on the ball, cutting a composed figure when in possession even when under pressure. He was able to turn away from danger well using his good close control and found progressive passes either out wide or to the striker. Once he had played a forward pass he was very proactive, making runs to support his teammates and he was not afraid to get forward.
Zaldivar was dangerous in the final third, especially from range as he had two shots, one of which went just over, with the other bouncing wide off the up right from a strike from the best part of 25 yards. The 23 year old acted as a pivot in the midfield and rarely gave away possession, showing good consistency during the match. Defensively, the 5’11” midfielder was sometimes too passive, allowing players to get away from him, but he also made some important recovery tackles and interceptions and was able to compete aerially.
Overall, it was a very promising display from Zaldivar who was one of Atlas’ best players on the day.
Rating: A2
Player profile:
- Nationality: Mexican
- Age: 23
- Date of birth: 20/02/1997
- Current Club: Atlas FC
- Career: Atlas FC
- Position: Right Back
- Secondary position: Central Defender
- Preferred foot: Right
Ismael Govea had a solid game from right back, topping off his performance with an excellent goal from around 20 yards out. Defensively Govea had a mixed game, making some good tackles, tracking his man well and delaying the winger in 1v1 situations, however, he was beaten too easily at times and also let the winger get inside of him too easily on occasion. At 5’10” he was capable of winning aerial duels but had to do so rarely.
The Mexican put some nice deliveries in from wide areas whilst his passing was to a decent standard, linking up well with his teammates to set up attacks but he did not travel with the ball at his feet very often. The highlight of his game was the goal for which he used great technique to score from range on the half volley.
All in all it was a good display from Govea who wasn’t too heavily involved apart from his goal.
Rating: B1
Player profile:
- Nationality: Mexican
- Age: 22
- Date of birth: 30/01/1998
- Current Club: Atlas FC
- Career: Santos Laguna, Atlas FC
- Position: Left Back
- Secondary position: Central Defender
- Preferred foot: Left
Jesus Angulo had an all round good game for Atlas against Club León, growing into the match well as it progressed. The 22 year old showed good strength and composure when defending, whether it was shielding the ball out of play or making fair yet aggressive tackles. He liked to get forward and at times was caught too high up but showed willingness track back well, and was very brave when defending, making some important last second interventions to prevent his team from conceding.
The 5’11” defender had a good burst pace when necessary and used it to both attack and defend. In attacking areas, Angulo made several good passes, and had an impressive range to switch the play. In possession Angulo was able to use quick feet to beat his man and link up with his teammates and was unlucky not to score from a good chance.
On the whole, it was a good day at the office for Angulo who demonstrated a promising level of ability.
Rating: B1
Player profile:
- Nationality: Mexican
- Age: 19
- Date of birth: 05/07/2000
- Current Club: Atlas FC
- Career: Atlas FC
- Position: Right Wing
- Secondary position: Left Wing
- Preferred foot: Right
Jairo Torres showed his ability at times but failed to have a lasting impact on this game before being withdrawn with around 25 minutes left. The 5’7″ winger had a good level of pace and used it to try and get in behind but to also track back well to help his full back.
Torres tried to beat his opponent using his impressive dribbling and agility and this worked any times, allowing him to either put in a dangerous cross, or win a foul or corner. The winger was aggressive when defending and tracked his man well, but was too weak in several challenges and therefore lost out in too many duels.
Overall, it was a game that Torres struggled to get into, but he showed glimpses of quality when in possession and worked hard for his team.
Rating: B2
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