As Mexico prepares to feature at yet another World Cup, their 17th appearance since the tournament started back in 1930, coach Gerardo Martino will be hoping to add some youth to what is an ageing, but experienced, squad. Below, we take a look at the five best young Mexican players in FIFA 23, some of which could be one the plane to Qatar.
Best Mexican Wonderkids in FIFA 23
5. Tony Leone (Los Angeles FC: CB)
Yet to feature for the Los Angeles FC first team, but one to definitely keep an eye on, is 18-year-old Antonio (Tony) Leone. Standing 6ft tall, Leone qualifies for both Mexico and the USA at international level, but looks to have already made his decision opting to represent El Tri at both U19 and U20 level.
A senior call up shouldn’t be too far away then for the 54 rated centre back. And whilst he’s not the finished article, there’s definitely room for improvement with a potential of 75 in FIFA 23. Despite his age, Leone already poses a physical presence in the heart of defence with 76 jumping and 72 strength.
4. Efraín Álvarez (LA Galaxy: RM, CAM, RW)
A promising right winger, also capable of playing the CAM role, LA Galaxy’s Efrain Alvarez is closing in on a century of senior appearances for club and country. Born and raised in LA to Mexican parents, Alvarez was eligible to play for both the USA and Mexico. But like Leone, chose El Tri at an early age and has since made four senior appearances for the national side.
Aged 20-years-old Alvarez is still only rated 65 in FIFA 23 but has a potential of 75. Small in stature the LA Galaxy regular has a low centre of gravity with 83 agility and 79 balance allowing him to glide past defenders with ease.
3. Jordan Carrillo (Real Sporting De Gijon: LM)
20-year-old winger Jordan Carrillo made his international debut earlier this year after impressing for Santos Laguna in the Liga MX. Now on loan at Real Sporting De Gijon, Carrillo will be hoping to force his way into the Spanish side’s first team.
Naturally right footed, Carrillo is often deployed on the left which allows him to cut inside and run at defenders. With 89 balance, 72 dribbling and 72 sprint speed he has both the technical ability and athleticism to torment the opposition. Rated 64 overall in FIFA 23 with a potential rating of 76, Carrillo’s end product needs considerable improvement with finishing, crossing and short passing all well below 65.
2. Julian Araujo (LA Galaxy: RB, RWB, RM)
Currently the highest rated player overall on the list (70), Julian Araujo has made over 100 senior appearances for boyhood club LA Galaxy. Still only 21-years-old the Mexico international has three caps to his name (at the time of writing) and a potential rating of 80 in FIFA 23. Versatile, Araujo is capable of playing anywhere on the right, but is best utilised as an attacking full back.
With 80 sprint speed and 79 acceleration he has the natural pace needed to make those all important recovery runs, which allows him to wander further up field and get involved in the final third. On the ball there’s room for improvement, but defensively Araujo is solid and isn’t afraid of getting stuck in with 72 standing tackles.
1. Marcelo Flores (Arsenal on loan at Real Oviedo: LM, CAM, ST)
Mexico’s hottest prospect in FIFA 23 is 18-year-old Marcelo Flores. Currently on loan at Real Oviedo from parent club Arsenal, the teenager has been likened to former Gunners favourite Samir Nasri. A two footed creative midfielder, who’s also capable of playing as a striker, Flores is rated 64 overall in FIFA 23 with a potential of 81.
Often deployed in the number 10 role the Arsenal academy graduate thrives in one v one situations, where he’s able to utilise his agility and quick turn of pace to torment defenders. Both attributes are rated highly in FIFA 23 with 82 acceleration and 83 agility. Technically, though, there’s room for improvement with short passing, dribbling and ball control all rated less than 70. Given time, there’s no doubt Flores will go on to become a top player.
Whilst there doesn’t seem to be a stand out superstar coming through the ranks, Mexico do have a number of youngsters who should go on to cement themselves as starters in the senior side.
