They were just in the champions league last year. They had bad luck with injuries, but they have a chance to go back up this year. Its funny you mention theyre 10 points from regulation (actually 13) but fail to mention, that theyre currently sitting on a promotion playoff spot. Apart from the validity of the rumor, Villarreal>Cruz Azul.
Yep, they were also in primera 2 yrs ago when they earned that spot and had a hell of a lot more talent than they have now. How'd that help them stay afloat in primera? They currently suck and have sold Nilmar, Lopez, Valero and most recently Rossi, among others. Seems to be a popular bsmx trend to automatically assume that any Euro scenario > Mexico. Guess Mier, Fabian, and Zorrillo need to get their shit together or they'll miss their once in a lifetime opportunity to play at Huesca.
aquino has what it takes to make a good year with villareal and move on to a bigger club. He can use villareal as a stepping stone.
You do know we're talking about Aquino right?....this move is completely appropriate based on his level...had we been talking about Mier, Herrera, or even Fabian you would have a point.
Id generally oppose a move from a top Mexican club to any 2da team. Exceptions would include a team whos running away with 2da and near certain promotion. Villareal is headed in the opposite direction and continues to sell off their best players, which isn't doing them any favors. I'm aware of their history and recent CL appearance, but that does absolutely nothing for their current situation. Don't buy that "develop his skills in 2da" bs, granted he's older, Zurdo has been playing well in 2da and how many transfer opportunities or nt caps has that opened for him? Not saying its impossible to attract teams that way, but it doesn't always work. As long as he's in Mexico, Aquino should continue to start at CA and that should earn him some NT caps that will give him more of a spotlight than playing in a midtable 2da team will. Not all Euro scenarios are better than playing in Mexico.
personally, i would prefer a mexican player like aquino to try it out in europe for a team like the submarines NOW and make it, thereby proving he belongs on the NT anyways. he could tear it up for CA and maybe warrant a NT callup but that wouldnt mean he's euro material. he could tear it up for cruz azul and then flop in europe and then what? be like barrera or efrain juarez? hes young and villarreal would probably play the kid. whats the risk? worst case, he comes back to mexico ala barrera, omar bravo, juarez. hes got little to lose and alot to gain.
i think we're being greedy with asking to develop skills. i think theres more to just being in a euro league...its actually playing and being somewhat successful. were lackin players that go to europe and succeed. look at bravo, barrera and juarez. it didnt work out for them and they are back in mexico. not sayin they dont belong on the NT ever again, but that euro experience really demonstrates a players drive, mentality, work ethic, etc etc. being in europe and succeeding helps set the standard on the NT. if a player is doin well in europe, chances are he'll get called up to the NT. domestic players in that same position better being doing REALLY well in order to get called and challenge that euro player. overall, it helps improve the quality of the NT.
Come on man, look at what all those years of segunda division did for Jona. He is now training with the best team in the world.
Aquino won't go to Villarreal, the source is bad, the info is bad, the team is bad and the player is not very good either.
Martin aside from the stuff that has been posted about Herrera and so forth, has anything else come through the rumor mill that might have substance?