Jorge Campos, Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Jared Borgetti, Luis Hernandez, Carlos Salcido, Luis Garcia, Javier Hernandez, Raul Jimenez. Mexico has long produced a constant flow of top quality footballers, known throughout the world. Today the next generation of El Tri youngsters will be hoping to reach the same heights. Below, we take a look at the best Mexican youngsters in FIFA 22.
Best Mexican Wonderkids in FIFA 22
5. Eugenio Pizzuto Puga (LOSC Lille: CM, CDM)
Defensive midfielder Eugenia Pizzuto is one of two Mexican youngsters on the list to be currently playing their domestic football in Europe. Signed by Lille in 2020 the 19-year-old is yet to feature for the Ligue 1 side’s first team. In fact, he only has one senior appearance to his name, and that was for Pachuca in 2020. A combative midfielder, Pizzuto possesses 62 standing tackle and aggression attributes. He can play a bit too with 67 short passing, 63 ball control and 61 dribbling. Overall the teenager is only rated 60, but with a potential of 80 there’s plenty of room for improvement.
4. Julian Vincente Araujo (LA Galaxy: RB, RWB, RM)
Capable of playing anywhere on the right hand side, whether it be at full back or in midfield, Julian Araujo is a handy player to have at your disposal in FIFA 22. Still only 19, Araujo has made over 60 experiences for LA Galaxy where he’s fast become a first team regular after making his debut in 2019. Rated 69 overall with a potential of 80 the teenager has pace to burn with 80 sprint speed and 79 acceleration.
3. Santiago Naveda Lara (Club America: CM, CDM)
Born in Mexico City Santiago Naveda Lara made his professional debut for boyhood club Club America in 2020 and has since made over 20 appearances. A ball winning midfielder with 75 standing tackling and 85 stamina, Naveda effectively protects the back four by breaking up play and distributing the ball to those with greater vision and creativity. Rated 69 overall with a potential of 82 Naveda looks set to become a regular for Mexico’s national team.
2. Santiago René Muñóz Robles (Newcastle: ST, CAM)
When 18-year-old Santiago Munoz (not the lad from Goal, close though) joined Newcastle from Santos Laguna Magpie fans knew little, if anything, about the Mexican striker. Yet to feature for the Toon, but highly rated back home where he scored a goal every other game for Mexico’s U17s, Munoz is rated 67 overall with a potential of 83. A busy, pacy striker with 76 acceleration and 74 sprint speed he’s the first of two promising strikers to make the list. That said, the teenager’s finishing needs serious improvement (currently 65) if he’s going to become a regular goal scorer at the top level.
1. Santiago Tomás Giménez (Cruz Azul: ST, CF, CAM)
The future of Mexican football, Santiago Giménez has a natural eye for goal with 72 finishing and 73 heading accuracy. Still playing for boyhood club Cruz Azul where he’s made over 60 appearances since making his debut in 2017, Giménez is already an established striker with an overall rating of 71 and a potential of 83. Despite his relatively small stature Giménez is deceptively strong with 83 strength. Add to that 72 ball control and he’s well suited to receiving the ball with his back to goal. Alternatively the 20-year-old has the pace and awareness (sprint speed 77, acceleration 75 and position 73) to play on the shoulder and run in behind. And with a release clause of just €8.6million he provides excellent value in FIFA 22 career mode.
Quality over quantity is definitely the case for Mexico again this season. Their pool of players is much smaller than other nations, but they continue to produce a well rounded group of youngsters who should go on to become elite footballers in years to come.
