When Gerardo “Tata” Martino revealed the 29-man list that will face the last World Cup Qualifiers match window, the absence of Santos Laguna goalkeeper Carlos Acevedo was something that stood out, as he’s been one of the most outstanding goalkeepers in Liga MX.
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Martino decided to call to Mexico National Team four different goalkeepers that he considers to be in better shape than Acevedo, but after the injury suffered by Jonathan Orozco on the last game that Xolos de Tijuana played prior the FIFA match window, Martino had no other choice but to call the Santos goalkeeper.
This will become the first call-up for Acevedo to an official match, given that he already debuted with El Tri back in December, when the Aztec squad held a friendly match against Chile, where the 25-year-old goalkeeper had the starting role.
But now that the call to his first Qualifiers arrived, he is decided to stand out and impress the Argentine coach, as he knows this might be his only chance to show why he should be on the final roster that will play in Qatar 2022.
What is Acevedo doing to impress Martino?
Acevedo knows that one of the advantages he has over the other three goalkeepers in Martino’s roster is his age, as he’s nine years younger than Rodolfo Cota, 11 years younger than Guillermo Ochoa and has 14 years less than Alfredo Talavera.
That’s why he is showing the fast reflexes he has, as according to reports he’s been practicing how to intercept passes, as well as managing the space in the goal box, something that Ochoa usually doesn’t do, as he prefers to remain under the goal.
Can Acevedo arrive to Qatar?
There’s still a lot of time ahead and anything could happen, but for now, Martino has him considered as the fifth option for El Tri, although things can change after the upcoming FIFA match window and over the summer, if Acevedo leaves Santos to arrive at a bigger club.
But given the absence of Jonathan Orozco due to an injury and the muscle soreness that has Talavera has been feeling lately, added to whatever Acevedo can show to Martino and his staff this week, he might be able to sneak in the final roster as the third striker.
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