This summer, Russia will be playing host to some of the globe’s best players. Out of South America there is Lionel Messi and Neymar. Europe has put forth the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Thomas Müller, and Cristiano Ronaldo. Even the likes of Africa and Asia – perennial underdogs – will be represented by Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, and Heung Min-Son. CONCACAF, encapsulating all of North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, has often struggled to produce star players that compete on the world stage.
With no United States or Canada at the 2018 World Cup, the entire burden of North American success lies upon the backs of the Mexican National Team players. El Tri have reached the Quarter-finals twice, both times as the host nation (1970, 1986). However, the Mexicans have been cut off at the Round of 16 for the past six consecutive World Cups, unable to take the next step and usurp their predecessors’ accomplishments.
Juan Carlos Osorio’s squad has been drawn in Group F – dubbed by SI’s Daniel Rapaport as the most balanced group in Russia – and will face off against title holders Germany, Sweden, and South Korea. Whereas veterans like Andrés Guardado, Carlos Vela, and Chicharito will certainly play a large role in Mexico’s success or failure this summer, a new kid has popped up on the scene in recent years. Enter Hirving Lozano: the most exciting player at the World Cup from the Dutch Eredivisie and Mexico’s new hope.
OVERVIEW
PSV Eindhoven’s Eredivisie win has been the culmination of frequent dominance and occasional luck, but one thing that’s undeniable is their persistence. Hirving Lozano is an integral part of this highly-functional, extremely athletic unit. He wasn’t anointed as the Eredivisie player of the season, but his contribution has clearly played a massive part in PSV’s title-winning efforts.
Hirving Lozano’s output of 17 goals and 8 assists in the Dutch top league underlines a phenomenal debut season abroad for the Mexican. Having moved from Pachuca last summer, the 22-year-old was a starlet in the PSV attack from day one. His startling pace and superb on-the-ball technique have terrified opposing managers who attempt to draw up ways to defend against him. Goalkeepers often failed to parry his rippling long shots. But what makes Lozano truly exceptional?
TACTICAL ANALYSIS
Built for a Fluid Attack
Throughout the season, Hirving Lozano has played in a variety of roles. The right-footed Mexican opened his Dutch account as a seemingly natural left-winger, but his position has shifted to right-wing and even striker on some occasions. PSV play a relatively fluid attacking system, meaning that Hirving will sometimes start on the left and float out to the right, and vice-versa.
In a match against Vitesse, Lozano displayed his pension for roaming around when PSV control the ball. He would often be found starting wide left or right before roaming inside or dropping deep to receive a pass. Not only is this difficult for defences to keep track of, but it’s certainly a benefit for PSV when their attacks become stale and fruitless. Different positioning almost definitely creates different passing patterns.
On the ball
The main reason Philip Cocu positioned Lozano on the left at the start of the season is because of his technical prowess. The casual fan thinks of Hirving as a speed-demon, which is true, but that’s only one part of his game. Lozano is phenomenal at finessing out of pressure when trapped in tight spaces.
