Sorry to break it to y'all but the solution doesn't necessarily lie in changing players in certain positions. The problem is more systematic and linked to the way LigaMX has "evolved." Like most aspects of modern day futbol, the style of play in Mexico has taken cues from Europe which has brought about an "over verticalization" of offensive plays during the run of play. Quick give and go's that are meant to catch opposing defenders flat footed while creating 1v1 opportunities for the attackers. A style of play dominated by Santos, Monterrey, Leon and Herrera's America. Xolos & Morelia to a lesser extent. Cruz Azul and Pumas still employ a more possession based approach as their primary weapon but have also shown a good range of tactical flexibility that allows them to oscillate between various tactical schemes althout this mostly applies to Cruz Azul and not so much Pumas. You can see it in the youth NTs were speed in transition has been king this cycle. No breaks in play that allow the team some meaningful possession, to probe the space left by opponents. Part of this cyclical shift was needed. Whereas before we knocked the ball about at a marginal pace, often rendering us rather predictable, we have now gone to the opposite end of the spectrum. A good example of this particular evolution is Alan Pulido, who has shifted towards speed as his main weapon. The issue lies partly in the fact that we are not developing enough cerebral midfielders, let alone ones with a combination of size and physical presence. We create a lot of wide creative types, some of very good quality but none that can contribute to the senior NTs cause this summer. I've often spoken of Chepo's (and Herrera more recently) lack of a plan B. We saw glimpses of his tactical variations during the Gold Cup in 2011, where he added Aldo to give us a physical presence and allowed Barrera to utilize the flank and put crosses in. Herrera has so far shown he has no plan B. Against the US, he made man for man subs with the only tactical variation being Fabian dropping into the midfield and allowing Jimenez to play hold up role. We all know the lone DM formation will get shredded by competent teams so a plan B is needed, even if the current formation will be the starting point for every game in the WC. The only realistic option will be to slide Reyes into the midfield. ----------------Ochoa------------------- ----------------------------------------- -----------------Rafa-------------------- ---Rodriguez---------------Moreno----- Layun----------------------------Guardado --------------Diego Reyes------------------ ---------Herrera----------C. Pena--------- -------------------------------------------- -------------Oribe----Giovanni-------------