Guillermo Martínez Ayala
CF
Target Striker
Mar 15, 1995 (31)
Left
6'3"
201 lb
No shots during start
Martinez generated three clearances in Wednesday's 3-0 victory versus Czech Republic.
Analysis: Martinez was mainly ineffective in his start at forward, playing 63 minutes but not earning a single shot. He would complete 13 passes while only touching the ball 25 times, a rough effort after two games unused. This will likely lead Raul Jimenez to enter the starting XI again as Mexico enters the knockout stage.
Secures WC roster spot
Martinez is officially part of the Mexican squad for the World Cup, with his call-up preventing him from playing in the Liga MX playoffs, the national team announced Tuesday.
Analysis: Martinez is perhaps the biggest surprise in Mexico's World Cup squad given that they have plenty of center-forward depth with options such as Raul Jimenez, Santiago Gimenez and Armando Gonzalez. However, Martinez did have some outstanding displays as a second-unit asset in the last Liga MX campaign, and he scored five goals across 493 minutes of play. Both Robert Morales and Juninho should stay active for Pumas while the Mexican is unavailable.
Brace in start
Martinez scored two goals to go with four shots (three on goal) in Tuesday's 4-2 win over Juarez.
Analysis: Martinez has logged three goals across as many appearances since mid-April. Starts have not come regularly for the forward since January, though his recent form may bring a change to that in the near and long-term future.
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