Photo: Xavier Hernandez / Imago7
It is already a constant to see footballers “repatriated” in the selection Mexican . Gerardo Martino has been in charge of looking for players with Aztec roots to seduce them with the opportunity to be part of the El Tri universe. This was the case of David Ochoa and Julián Araujo . But not satisfied with that the “Tata” was looking at Ricardo Pepi a replacement for Raúl Jiménez, but he did not succeed.
Mexico has snatched players from the United States as if it were their quarry. Like David Ochoa and Julián Araujo, Pepi had been part of the lower categories of the USMNT . According to information from ESPN, the young forward was to Martino’s taste, but the United States went ahead and decided to summon him.
USMNT has announced its 28 – man roster for September World Cup qualifiers, including a first call-up for 18 – year-old FC Dallas forward Ricardo Pepi ✨ pic.twitter.com/eZUxsJxbb8
– B / R Football (@brfootball) August 26, 2021
Pepi was born in El Paso, Texas . He is currently a promising young man in development. His performances in Major League Soccer with FC Dallas allowed him to be part of the All-Star Game 2021.
18 – YEAR -OLD RICARDO PEPI FOR THE WIN 🎯 # MLSAllStar Game pres. by @ Target pic.twitter.com/iAeES7qAyU
– Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 26, 2021
It is worth mentioning that the ram of 18 year old had the opportunity to play a World Sub – 17 with the stars and stripes. However, like her companions, Pepi would have no problem representing to Mexico in the event that it decides on El Tri, in the future.
The FC Dallas forward would make way for a new breed of young attackers by taking into account the average age of the renowned strikers in Mexico co (Chicharito, Raúl Jiménez, Carlos vela, Alan Pulido, Rogelio Funes Mori, among others).
Youth and explosiveness are the characteristics that Martino was looking for when trying to include a player of these qualities. Ricardo Pepi has played 20 matches in the current MLS and has managed to convert 9 goals.
Ricardo Pepi 🗣
“This country has given my family so many opportunities and it really has helped me achieve my goals. What better way to help them by hopefully one day lifting up a World Cup? I feel warmly welcomed and I can’t wait to show that I deserve to be here “ pic.twitter.com/9DhSx3sGgM
– USMNT Only (@usmntonly ) August 26, 2021
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