David Ochoa: Gerardo Martino's surprise for the Mexican National Soccer Team

David Ochoa, current Real Salt Lake goalkeeper, was one of the surprises in Gerardo Martino's call-up for the friendly match against Chile. 

For Martino, Ochoa is the future of the Mexican National Soccer Team. At less than 22 years of age, the player says he is ready to fight for a place on the team that will represent Mexico at the FIFA World Cup, to be held in Qatar in 2022. 

In order to access this opportunity, David Ochoa rejected his process with the U.S. National Soccer Team, and his gamble has paid off.

The son of Mexican parents, but born in the United States, is days away from making his debut with the senior national team.  

But how did Gerardo Martino decide to give this young star a chance?

Easy: the coach closely followed David Ochoa's performance in MLS. 

Martino has realized that following him in this league can expand his options for the CONCACAF qualifiers. 

David Ochoa: Real Salt Lake's impenetrable wall

Ochoa has become one of the most important figures to watch in the 2021 MLS Playoffs. With 27 games played, 87 saves and 424 good passes, Ochoa has helped RSL become a true giant-killer. 

Thanks to the skills of David Ochoa, Real Sal Lake managed to beat the top team in its conference, Sporting Kansas City. 

With an epic comeback, RSL eliminated Kansas by a score of 2-1. 

David Ochoa's future: between Europe and Liga MX

"I got into soccer for money. Obviously for the love of the sport but also for the money to help my parents. So, wherever they can pay me well and where I can play, whether it's Mexico or Europe, I'd be happy," said the young Real star. 

However, the goalkeeper has no urgency to leave his team, as he knows that MLS is a league that is growing exponentially.

Besides, at this moment he is in a team that today will play the Western Conference Final against the Portland Timbers. 

His debut in the Mexican National Soccer Team

David Ochoa's debut could not have been a dream come true: he will not only play his first game as a national team player. 

He will do it in the country where he currently plays, with a fan base for which he has become a reference in soccer. 

And the goalkeeper will have to rise to the challenge, as his debut will be against an old acquaintance of Mexico: the Chilean National Soccer Team, under the orders of Gerardo Martino.

The reasons why Gerardo Martino called up David Ochoa

Ochoa's reflexes are finely tuned, allowing him to decide at the last minute whether to dive for the ball using his legs or his hands. 

For example, the duel he had against Carlos Vela in this tournament, from whom he saved a penalty, is still fresh in his memory.

During the duel on July 17, 2021 that his team held against Los Angeles FC, the Real Salt Lake goalkeeper was outstanding.

Carlos Vela prepared himself and positioned himself on the penalty spot, took a sigh and with a left-footed shot he took a powerful shot, which David Ochoa saved with a crossed hand. 

Everything seems to indicate that the future of the Mexican national team is in good hands with David Ochoa.