Mexico have selected Guillermo Ochoa, Jesus Corona and Alfredo Talavera as their goalkeepers for the 2016 Copa America, a reliable group that has amassed 135 international appearances between them. Such is the strength of the position for Mexico that the highly underrated Jonathan Orozco was unable to make the squad.
However, the most promising and talented goalkeeper for El Tri might be the one lining up across from Orozco in the Liga MX Clausura semi-finals, Hugo Gonzalez.
The 25-year-old Gonzalez has seen his stock skyrocket after displacing Moises Munoz as the starter for Club America. His performances for America in the 2015/16 CONCACAF Champions League saw him named the tournament’s best goalkeeper.
Sounders were so close to scoring first. So close. pic.twitter.com/hQRkOqm7UX
— Sounder At Heart (@sounderatheart) February 24, 2016
He helped America to their record-setting seventh Champions League title, and now he’s poised to lead his club to the Clausura Final. Gonzalez came up with three big saves to keep a clean sheet in the first leg semi-final against Monterrey.
Partido difícil el d ayer pero con el gran esfuerzo d todo el equipo y nuestra gran afición logramos salir adelante pic.twitter.com/4SckPqznFE
— HG1 (@hugo_gonzalez1) May 19, 2016
A 47th minute goal from Osvaldo Martinez separates the sides going into Saturday’s second leg.
Gonzalez has yet to be capped at the senior level for Mexico, but it’s only a matter of time until the standout performer of the Liguilla gets his chance. Gonzales has phenomenal athleticism, producing spectacular saves with his range of motion.
For a goalkeeper, 25 is still early years. Experience, composure and command only grow with age, but Gonzalez already looks the part on Mexico's biggest club stage.
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