🇲🇽 Winging it: Wide attacker a question as Mexico's starters step back

As Lozano & Tecatito age, are there obvious replacements? Saturday's game gave some hints.

Reporting from Arlington, Texas

Hirving Lozano wasn’t here. Neither was Jesus “Tecatito” Corona. Both players are settling in with ‘new’ clubs, Lozano returning to PSV, where he first landed after making the jump to Europe, and Corona announced as the newest signing at Monterrey, which catapulted him to 10-year career with European clubs.

Before a 2-2 draw with Australia on Saturday, Mexico manager Jaime Lozano said he wasn’t overly concerned about the two players likely to be his starting wingers for the foreseeable future both taking steps back when it comes to the strength of the league in which they play.

“I’d like to see more players, not just wingers, but more Mexican players in the best leagues in the world. That would give us more competition and make us stronger in all aspects, but they’re the only ones who know why they made those choices,” the coach said. “You have to respect them, support them. After that, as a national team we’ll take advantage of the players’ good form.”

Ideally for Mexico, young players in good form would emerge to compete for those starting winger places, pushing past the veterans and staking a claim to start in games like the Copa América qualification matches and the subsequent tournament.

Did they on Saturday? It depends on your definition.

Mexico got a boost off the bench thanks to two players making their El Tri debuts. But it’s not yet clear if either of those players can find long-term success with the national team. And the players "Jimmy” Lozano expected to excel as wide attackers from the opening whistle largely fell flat.