Mexicans abroad: Raul Jimenez returns, Orbelin Pineda scores
With the World Cup fast approaching, Mexican national team figures are stepping it up.
Raul Jimenez is finally back with Wolves after sustaining an injury during pre-season, while Diego Lainez inspired his side to a 5-0 victory over C.S. Maritimo with an assist. In Greece, Orbelin Pineda marked his AEK Athens debut with a stunning goal and assist to excite El Tri fans worldwide.
Here's everything on Mexican players abroad...
1. Diego Lainez finds his rhythm with Sporting Braga
Diego Lainez is finally finding his rhythm abroad.
The player came off the bench in the 67th minute to feature in Sporting Braga’s 5-0 triumph over C.S. Maritimo, contributing one assist before the final whistle. Lainez connected with teammate Rodrigo Gomes, inspiring the forward to score the fifth and final goal in the 88th minute.
His regularity on the pitch comes as a change to the young Mexican national team player, as he struggled to even reach the bench during his time with Real Betis. With Jesus ‘Tecatito’ Corona ruled out of the World Cup after sustaining an injury with Sevilla, Lainez must now step up with Sporting Braga to claim his place.
2. Raul Jimenez returns
The Mexican striker is back.
Raul Jimenez returned to the pitch over the weekend, coming off the bench in the 59th minute to feature in the clash against Tottenham. It was initially estimated that the player would be out for the first couple of weeks of the 2022/23 campaign after sustaining a knee and groin injury during pre-season, but he’s now fully back to training with the club.
With four months left until the World Cup, Jimenez has time to find his old goalscoring ways.
3. Orbelin Pineda thrives with AEK Athens
Orbelin Pineda marked his official debut for AEK Athens in the Greek Super League with a stunning goal and assist. He inspired the team’s first goal, connecting with Sergio Araujo inside the box to gain the lead. Pineda then sealed the 3-0 victory over Lamia, as his mid-range strike went past goalkeeper Athanasios Garavelis and into the back of the net.
The Mexican national team player arrived at AEK Athens ahead of the season on loan from Celta de Vigo, where he failed to find time under Eduardo Coudet.
4. Marcelo Flores starts
Marcelo Flores earned his first start with Real Oviedo over the weekend, helping the Spanish side secure the 1-0 victory over Leganes. The player arrived ahead of the 2022/23 season on loan from Arsenal, to feature alongside El Tri teammate Daniel Aceves.
Though Flores was subbed off in the second half, he’s finally seeing time on the pitch with a senior team.
5. Honorable mentions:
Santiago Gimenez came off the bench to feature in Feyenoords' 1-0 victory over RKC Waalwijk.
Edson Alvarez played in Ajax's 1-0 win over Sparta Rotterdam.
Daniel Aveces featured for Real Oviedo.