Futbol Americas: Pepi Deal Collapses, Raul 12/12 & McKennie Stays Hot

15:11Herculez Gomez:There was an element of them time wasting with the referee and then the goalkeepers and it just made me think more and more and more. This is essentially what Raul does with the goalkeepers. So to have that type of concentration and be so effective at it and not miss, I mean he's missed twice in his career but in the Premier League at the highest of levels it shows you just how strong he is mentally and the minds that he has going in where I am going to beat you. I am going to be better than you. And I know they're penalty kicks, but if you've ever taken a penalty kick, you know how daunting and strange that feeling can be, how lonely it can be.

15:46Herculez Gomez:And he totally owns the spot.

15:47Cristina Alexander:Yeah, absolutely. All I would say as well is that if you believe the rhetoric, I'm not saying that I do, but if you believe the rhetoric that a Premier League is the best league in the world, and then naturally you're thinking, well, then the best league in the world must have the best goalkeepers in the world. And so therefore, look at this guy. 12 out of 12 in what is supposed to be the best league in the world with the best goalkeepers in the world, and he's scoring 12 out of 12. If you go by my logic, he's the best penalty kick taker in the world. That's it. You heard it here in Florida, America.

16:21Herculez Gomez:I mean, this was his 200th goal in his career. And there was a point in time in his career where I don't think there was anybody in this table who thought he'd get anywhere near to the level he was before that incident. let alone to where he is now we were just hoping he'd be okay normal and here he is second act and people regardless of where they play regardless of who they cheer for respect and

16:45Cristina Alexander:love this guy it's a testament to who he is and maybe maybe in a weird way his accident on the field gave him perspective and gave him an appreciation for what he gets to do as a professional and so it also may may free him up carefree it's like listen this is borrowed time for me anyways out here so might as well make the most of it might as well enjoy it he seems to be

17:13Alejandro Moreno:doing that yeah i mean at the premier league level obviously it's impressive for his club career you said 200th goal and this was actually our producer beto got in my ear to say this it was his 100th appearance for Fulham, 12 for 12. I mean, he's flying high. And obviously, at this moment, what does this mean for El Tri, too, who obviously keep track of someone like Raul?

17:36Cristina Alexander:They need to find four more penalty kick takers when they're going to penalty kick shootout and get eliminated in the World Cup. They need to switch it to see it up and not know it up and not.

17:43Herculez Gomez:It's funny because as producer Beto whispered into your, I had the same kind of question asked in Aura Nunca earlier today. And my producer there whispered, how many of those, how many penalty kicks are Mexico actually going to get at the World Cup? Like, they got to bank on Raul Jimenez's penalty kick to be effective. For you to believe, like, that's going in for sure. That's the time we're living in right now with Mexican Nationals. There is no guarantee. So what does this mean? I wish Raul was at the height of his career, but he's not. He's not in a bad place. But he's got six goals for full.

18:12Herculez Gomez:You know, this is a player that gives you all the intangibles when he's not scoring. He's the perfect nine that you want. Like, score me some goals. But when you're not, I need you to do these things. That's the prototypical player you want, nine that you want. Do these things. He does it. He's just not doing it at a rate where I think it's going to make a massive difference for Mexico. He's got to stay healthy. He's going to be 35 in the summer. But as Dalla said, you need another four or five Raul Jimenez to really feel good about the situation.

18:42Alejandro Moreno:Yeah. Let's take it from a classic nine to someone who's in job description maybe isn't a goal scorer but appears to be doing so. So as of late, there's, of course, Weston McKinney here scoring his fourth goal of 2026 and his sixth of the season. Ale, thoughts on the finish? Pretty good.

19:01Cristina Alexander:Really well taken. But beyond the thoughts on the actual finish is the movement to get himself ahead of the defender and the anticipation to figure out where could this cross end up. And here's the thing, and Hercules knows this as well. When you're hot as a striker, when you're hot and when you're confident, the ball seems to find you in good areas. And when the ball finds you in good areas and you're hot and you're confident, then that finish that he had there, he didn't even think about it. He just reacted and instinctively put it into the back of the net. He looked like a number nine there.

19:38Cristina Alexander:Yep. Look, I don't think this is a long-term solution for his career, but I can tell you some of the things that he does well in the position. As a fellow striker who perhaps was big bone, a little different profile. Wider. Different profile. Wider. Different profile. A little thicker, you know, stocky, if you will. He does really well with his back to goal. And what he also does is that when he drops underneath, he doesn't just stop his movement there. He now lets all the runs happen in front of him, and then he just happens to drift into an open spot inside the 18-yard box. Again, that's a good feel for the position.

20:21Cristina Alexander:Even though it may not be a natural position for him, he has displayed good feel for the position. Hence, why is Paletti keeps putting him out there? He may not be the striker that you think and you picture, but it's a striker that is effective right now.

20:37Herculez Gomez:His best attribute is he arrives late. Like he's from a deep position, arriving late, nobody sees him. And before you know it, it's in the back of the net. You mentioned Luciano Spalletti. I give him, I know that Weston's done this before. He's proven Juventus, the brass, he's proven to the fans, he's proven to his teammates, to the new coach, that he's going to earn his spot. He's going to be there year in, year out. After every single year, they try to get rid of him. I know this. But Luciano Spalletti has really unlocked another level out of him. And I would say Juventus in general. Jonathan David was nowhere to be found.

21:12Herculez Gomez:And all of a sudden, Jonathan David and Weston McKinney are one of the hottest duos in Serie A. And Weston McKinney's, you know, three goals out of his last four Champions League games. And now he's got seven goal contributions in the last seven games. Like, he's showing up at the right times because he has a coach who believes in him. For the longest time, he didn't have that. He didn't have that luxury. He didn't have that benefit of the doubt. He feels like he's playing with it and he's responding on the field. As Ali said, it's instinctual now on the field, in the box. You smell it, you sniff it, it finds you.

21:42Herculez Gomez:That's the moment he is in. And if you are a U.S. Men's National Team fan, if I am Mariso Pochettino, I could not be happier because a guy that I would have said I had doubts about where he could play with Mariso Pochettino's system is now in this system playing in a role that he could possibly play for Mariso Pochettino. I'd be very happy if I'm Marisa Pochettino.

22:02Alejandro Moreno:Yeah, 23 straight starts here for Weston McKinney. And obviously with the confidence of, you mentioned this coach, Luciano Spalletti. Here's what McKinney said after the game. Spalletti is unique, as I have never in my career worked with a coach like this. He's so good, worked with the team spirit. I'm really happy, and I think everyone here is happy to be working with him. So he's very happy. Ale, which is basically the message for McKinney. but is he sending messages elsewhere to past coaches or present?

22:32Cristina Alexander:All right, here we go. I'm shocked, shocked, really, that a player who's getting an opportunity to play, consistently play, which he wasn't getting before, the manager that is making those decisions that you're happy with that manager. Well, of course, of course. There's no bigger fan of a manager than the player who's actually gets selected consistently because of it. Of course, of course. if you are if you are Weston McKinney you're loving some Espaletti and you're loving the fact that you're doing something different something that perhaps wasn't natural to you something that wasn't supposed to be part of your player profile and here you are not only having a different role but actually being productive in that role I think that says a lot about Espaletti but I think more importantly it says something about Weston McKinney and I'll throw it out there because if Mauricio Pochettino is doing his homework, and I assume he is, because why wouldn't you?

23:29Cristina Alexander:It's a World Cup year. You would think that he would be doing his homework. We're having a conversation about the number nine position for the U.S. national team. Let's just say, for sake of argument, that Balogun is not going through a good moment or suffers an injury or whatever. Does Weston McKinney now have a place in that conversation, given the fact that there haven't been others that have really stepped into that position and say, this is mine, does this give Mauricio Pochettino a different look or a different idea or a different thought? I think maybe it does.

24:03Herculez Gomez:Are you suggesting that Weston McKinney plays a nine for the U.S. Men's National League?

24:08Cristina Alexander:I'm suggesting that if he can play for Juventus in that sort of position and do a job, there's something to be said about the possibility that if Balogun is not available, switch up?

24:25Herculez Gomez:Well, no. Actually, I know what you're saying. I actually think it complements a Balogun well. Jonathan Dave has been playing with Weston McKinney. They link up very well. So, a Christian Pulisic and a Weston McKinney in a double-ten position with a follower in Balogun, that could be very productive. And I know where you're going with this because it's like when you see a center back late in games arriving into the box because he's good in the air, because he has that know-how inside and out of the box to get his head on the... Weston is one of the best aerial threats that the U.S. Men's National Team has.

24:55Herculez Gomez:So that's going to be a natural conversation. Why are you the way you are? I heard your question. I heard your question. Yes, I heard your question to Ala Moreno here. I don't know if you caught her question about is he taking shots at past coaches. No, no, no, that's not what I said. That's exactly what you said. That's not what I said. What did you say?

25:12Alejandro Moreno:I said, what message is he sending? To past coaches. Well, possibly. It's not about the past coaches here. It's not about I have to cover all my bases.

25:20Herculez Gomez:It's not about Greg It's not about David Halter. It's not about Marisa Pochettino. It's not about Dave Serekin or whoever he had at Juventus before him. This is about how comfortable he feels with Luciano Spalletti. It's how comfortable he feels in that system.

25:36Cristina Alexander:Even Dave Serekin is surprised that he made this show today.

25:39Herculez Gomez:But you know what I'm saying? It has nothing to do with the past because I've seen this narrative. Oh, shots fired. I'm like, who? Like, who do you think he's taking shots at, you know? Okay.

25:51Cristina Alexander:I just think it's a player who's playing, and the coach that picks him all the time is now his most favorite person in the world. Now, that happens to change quite often once that coach decides to not play you.

26:04Herculez Gomez:But throughout your history as a player, you'll have a coach or two that's your coach. That's your dad. That's your soccer dad, and that'll happen, and you play differently for that coach. That's just the way it is.

26:18Cristina Alexander:It's love. It's a story of love.

26:21Alejandro Moreno:And like and love and past bad experiences makes you really appreciate the present and that new relationship that you're in. I'm just saying it makes it makes him more appreciative of his present. Weston McKinney, who's having a great present as of late.

26:36Cristina Alexander:We're still talking about McKinney, right?

26:37Alejandro Moreno:We are still talking about McKinney. But as I've learned in life, soccer is also applicable to a lot of life lessons. Let's go ahead and run it back. because we've talked about this guy a lot. And here he is, Foller and Balogun getting his fourth, I'll say it, lead assist, Ale. Oh.

26:58Cristina Alexander:Well, at least this looked like an assist. Some of the assists that sometimes we show on this show, it's the... You weren't here with the throwing assist. At least I like the hold of play. I like the vision. I like the delivery of the pass, the pace of the pass, and then the finish, so I'll take that.

27:14Alejandro Moreno:All right, how about this from Patrick Ajman scoring his third goal?

27:18Herculez Gomez:This is what I was talking about. When you look at his goals in the championship, they're all very similar. He is dunking on fools inside the box, and I don't know. If I'm Mauricio Pochettino and there's no separation in the pack, I start thinking to myself, well, at different stages in the game, what type of forward will I need if I need to look for a goal? And this could be an attractive option.

27:37Alejandro Moreno:It being Super Bowl week, that defender just got lost. Let's take it to Malik Tillman, who scores in back-to-back games, Ale.

27:48Cristina Alexander:You know, he had the impossible task of being the guy after Florian Verza, Bayer Leverkusen. And while, of course, he's a different type of player and it would be unfair to evaluate him on that scale, I would suggest that he has improved the quality of performance and his productivity with Bayer Leverkusen. I thought you were going to say the impossible task of Eric Ten Hag.

28:11Alejandro Moreno:All right.

28:12Cristina Alexander:Well, that too. That didn't last long. No, it didn't.

28:15Alejandro Moreno:Speaking of his productivity here, it's been as of late, at least in the last two games, not only in those couple of goals on the 28th, but also this single goal that we just watched. I mean, the passing percentage too is brilliant. His first two-game scoring streak with Leverkusen and he caught up with our Archie Rindtutt. and then your goal it came just after you'd you'd lost the ball before so it must have been quite

28:43Cristina Alexander:not quite difficult because you're you're always having to switch in a game right from good from bad moments to good moments but you just carried on crashing the box like you want to i guess yeah i mean it was a big mistake i'm i'm also very lucky that we didn't concede but as you said you always have to keep going and obviously focus on the next actions and luckily I scored a goal made up from a mistake I guess yeah very happy Three goals in two games for you now as well that must be a nice feeling and particularly because we all know what's on the horizon in the summer how is that feeling for you now this season I guess getting rhythm must be a big part of it Getting rhythm and staying fit is I would say the most important.

29:32Cristina Alexander:If I stay fit I think I have big chances to be at the World Cup. So for me it's about staying fit, having consistent playing time and in the end it's the coach's decision. I hope to be there and I can't wait.

29:51Alejandro Moreno:Always smiling Malik Tillman. Want to remind you what's coming up this weekend. Monk and Gladbach versus Leverkusen. Saturday, 12.30 p.m. Eastern on ESPN+. And of course, streaming live on the ESPN app.

30:04Cristina Alexander:Quick time out. Some breakfast intel you want to know about. Kodiak Frozen Power Waffles and Flapjacks are built for busy mornings. Heat it, eat it, and you're out the door. No long prep. No complicated game plan. They're packed with 12 to 14 grams of protein per serving, a good source of fiber, and crafted with 100 % whole grains, not refined white flour. So you're getting something that actually fuels you. And there's depth on the roster. Buttermilk and vanilla, blueberry, chocolate chip, even gluten-free options. Breakfast that delivers. Snack that delivers. Find Kodiak frozen waffles and flapjacks in the frozen aisle at your local grocery store.

30:44Cristina Alexander:They're the ones with the bear on the box. I like things my way. My coffee, my schedule, and my treatment. So I talked to my doctor about self-injecting with the Vivgard Hytrulo Pre-Filled Syringe, which contains F-Gartigamide Alpha and Hyaluronidase QVFC. It's injected under your skin subcutaneously. It means I can inject in my space, on my time. It's my treatment, my way. Visit VivgardMyWay.com. That's V-Y-V-G-A-R-T MyWay.com. And talk to your doctor about Vivgard Hytrulo.

31:16Alejandro Moreno:Brought to you by Argenics.

31:19Herculez Gomez:Siempre decimos nunca dejes de creer. ¿Tú crees que algún día llegarás a jugar con nosotros?

31:25Cristina Alexander:Espero que sí. Yo creo que si sigo haciendo las cosas bien, un día puedo llegar.

31:32Alejandro Moreno:I mean, talk about manifesting. That was this summer at the Club World Cup, and now Obed Vargas has completed a transfer to La Liga's side Atlético de Madrid after five seasons with MLS side Seattle Sounders. Vargas joins through June 2030 for a Sounders club record transfer fee. Speaking of expensive players, here's what we've seen from Vargas' career. As of now, the 20-year-old who was previously with Sounders, as I mentioned, has 100 career MLS games, including playoffs, represented the U.S. in 2023 in that U-20 World Cup, had his Mexico senior debut in 2024 versus the U.S. and represented Mexico in the 2025 U-20 World Cup.

32:15Alejandro Moreno:I thought we were going to come right away to our Rodrigo Faiz. That was truly my transition of speaking of expensive players. Juadores caros. Rodrigo Faiz joining us on Football Americas. How's it going? Welcome in.

32:26Cristina Alexander:Thank you very much. Thanks for having me. You've got two great players and two expensive players here.

32:31Alejandro Moreno:I know.

32:32Cristina Alexander:Yeah, yeah, yeah. You both. Strikers are always more expensive than me. The ones that score goals, yeah.

32:40Alejandro Moreno:Still teaching them how to really accept a compliment.

32:44Cristina Alexander:No, no, no.

32:46Alejandro Moreno:Clearly they know how to do that. And clearly Atletico de Madrid scored on this deal here, Rodri, because we know the intention was different. We expected to see Enobed Vargas on loan to another La Liga team, maybe. How did we get from point A to point B?

33:01Cristina Alexander:To be honest, it was the plan A for all the parts, for Atletico de Madrid, for the player, and indeed for Javier Aguirre in Mexico, because what he needs to do now is play and have this continuity, which is something that he's not going to have in Atletico Madrid. So that is why everyone is wondering why he's not going to be on loan in Celta, Vigo, Mallorca, and Getafe, that those three teams were knocking on Atletico Madrid's door during the whole day. And the thing is just as simple as this. Atletico Madrid and Cholo Simeone were expecting to get another one player to transfer. That guy was Ederson from Atalanta.

33:40Cristina Alexander:They couldn't get the transfer. So at the end of the day, Cholo Simone was, okay, I don't have Ederson, but I need one player more to complete the squad. So that is why Vargas is going to stay at Atletico Madrid till June. Well, apart from the rest of the country that he signed for Atletico Madrid. And let's see, you know, how many minutes he's going to have, because I think he's going to be quite hard for him. Because he's going to face, first of all, Koke, Atletico Madrid main legend. and indeed Johnny Cardoso, that he was signed for Atletico Madrid after a great performance in Betis in the last two years.

34:14Cristina Alexander:And I think it's going to be kind of tricky for him.

34:17Alejandro Moreno:Yeah, it'll be interesting to see how he can kind of break into those minutes, as you mentioned, Rodri. But what do you think Atletico Madrid saw in the 20-year-old at this time, Mark?

34:28Herculez Gomez:Well, besides, if you make it to a team like Atletico, if you make it to La Liga, you obviously have talent. He's a very talented individual. He's good defensively. He's clean. He's got a good work rate about him. And more than anything, for as young as he is, the moment isn't too big for him. I've seen him perform more than admirably in the Club World Cup against Botafogo, PSG against Atletico. I've seen him take punches from Sergio Busquets. I've seen him dodge spit from Luis Suarez and dish it and take it from Lionel Messi. He's got a good head on his shoulders. The moment isn't too big for him.

34:59Herculez Gomez:I don't know how much he will play. But if you're telling me he's got to compete with Coque, whose legs are going, and Johnny Cardoso, who hasn't even gotten there. I mean, he's not played much. And when he has played, he gets injured. And he can't stay on the field. He hasn't had great moments with Atletico Madrid. Those are his only two options that he's got to fight through. I would take my chances if I am a 20-year-old Obed Vargas. And this is amazing news for Mexican football. because if Obert Vargas were a product of a Liga Mexicans team, he wouldn't go for$3.5 million to Atlético. He would still be in Mexico.

35:33Herculez Gomez:He'd probably end up with Tigres, Rayados, Club America, Cruzul, somewhere like that. It wouldn't happen this easily. So you have to celebrate that if you're Mexican football. If you're Javier Aguirre, the Mexican Federation, and the plan is for Rafa Marquez to overtake the next cycle, the next generation, you better start bringing in some of that young talent because in this World Cup 2022, or 2022, excuse me, You don't have a single player under 25 years of age with a World Cup experience because you left that long ago in Qatar. So you need to breed in the next generation of footballers. And Obed Vargas is that next generation.

36:06Herculez Gomez:I like Obed Vargas. I like what he stands for, what he is about. Is he ready for La Liga? Sure. Atlético? I don't know. That's a very exigente. It's a very demanding. Demanding. Thank you, sir. Demanding place to play. Cholo Simeone, it's not going to be easy on him having a coach like that. But if you could survive there, he's better for it and Mexican football is better for it. And by the way, what a star on the badge for the Seattle Sounders. Seattle Sounders, who not only wins and competes in Major League Soccer, but is now exporting at that type of level. This is a feather in its cap.

36:44Cristina Alexander:OK, now some love for the Seattle Sounders as well. Yeah, OK. I mean, somehow we made it into Sounders TV here in Florida America. It never fails.

36:54Alejandro Moreno:How is it Sounders TV with this big move that they just made for Vargas?

36:59Cristina Alexander:Because he was done talking about Obedo Vargas and Cholo Simeone, and somehow we brought it back to the Seattle Sounders. Well, because he's coming from the Seattle Sounders. I was having this discussion with him. I don't know why you're getting involved. Oh, I'm sorry.

37:10Alejandro Moreno:I forgot that I was a host of Football America. Sorry I'm part of your discussion, Adam.

37:14Cristina Alexander:Does he need a lawyer? He can take care of himself. Sometimes, only sometimes. Oh, man. Can I speak to him now?

37:22Alejandro Moreno:Actually, no. Feel free to do it.

37:25Cristina Alexander:Friday night can have a little coffee. All I would say is, Obed Vargas, if he doesn't play one minute, not even a second, this is still a good thing for Obed Vargas. Yeah. This is still a tremendous opportunity for him. And let's not forget about what it means to play for Cholo Simeone. I have to imagine, if you can make it with Cholo Simeone, you can make it with any other manager in the world. if you buy into his idea of we're going to work, we're going to fight, we're going to grind, we're going to play, we're going to win, we're going to kiss the badge, we're going to bleed Atletico Madrid.

38:06Cristina Alexander:If he does all of those things, he's going to mature so much as a player. And I think a year from now, six months from now, even if he hasn't played one minute, he would be in a better place as a player than he would have been had his stay with the Seattle Giants. That was what exactly I was told by my Mexican Federation sources one hour ago. They were telling me that, you know, when they were asking me, is he going to play with Cholo Simeone? I don't think so. He's going to play that much. But at the same time, they were saying, okay, we don't really mind because he's going to compete every single day with Julián Álvarez, with Gio Simeone, with Coque, with Cardoso, with great stars.

38:44Cristina Alexander:And that is going to be enough for him because that, you know, with the training session is going to be more than enough for him rather than playing a part that he's going to play some minutes. I don't really know how much he's going to play, if he's going to play 10, 5, even one match. But, you know, for Mexico, at least for what my sources told me one hour ago, this is going to be more than enough then because they don't have this quality on MLS and he wouldn't have that quality on any Mexican side that he could be in, you know?

39:13Alejandro Moreno:But would it be more than enough, Rodri, with the feel that you're getting with your sources? Would it be more than enough to make a World Cup case or are we talking long-term?

39:21Cristina Alexander:Oh, indeed, indeed. I mean, I'm pretty sure that he's going to make it for the three. I'm pretty sure. That's why he moved here. I mean, imagine that before signing, he says, well, if I go to a little game in Madrid, I'm going to put in risk my possibly participation in the World Cup. He wouldn't do it. He wouldn't have done it. I'm pretty sure. So that is why, you know, after talking to their Mexican people, It's like, OK, I'm going to make it because I'm going to compete. I'm going to train with these stars and I'm going to gain that European experience that all the people from the Mexican Federation are asking players about.

39:58Herculez Gomez:Just look at the central midfield options for the Mexican national team. You have no particular order. Luis Romo, Marcel Ruiz, Alberto Mora. You've got Charlie Rodriguez. You've got a Piojo Alvarado who's played there. You've got Alexis Vega who's played there. You have players. Alvaro Fidalgo. Well, potentially Alvaro Fidalgo, but... We'll get to that. I like for like... Doing my homework, people. I like for like of the actual captain of the national team, Edson Alvarez, you don't have. And Edson... Excuse me. Edson. Obed Vargas is the closest you have to Edson Alvarez. And Edson Alvarez right now, he just came off an ankle injury.

40:37Herculez Gomez:We don't know what the extent of that injury will be, how he will be, but it's the closest you have. Yes, but in terms of health, how he will be going forward. Who are you talking to? The reproducers in my ear. He's having an argument with me when I'm trying to have an argument with you. So what I'm trying to say is this is a player that's a direct like for like with the only player that has a defensive midfielder.

40:58Alejandro Moreno:Yeah. It's so funny, guys.

41:01Herculez Gomez:Yeah.

41:01Alejandro Moreno:It's true. That was a nice one. All right. Let's take it to another move because, of course, so Ovely Baragas will have our eye on to see how many minutes he is able to have at least in the next few months leading into the World Cup. But here's another CONCACAF move to La Liga because Alex Freeman completed a transfer from Orlando City to Villarreal. The right back is hoping to make the USMNT World Cup roster. He has made 13 international appearances and scored twice in November, not November friendly, against Uruguay. What do you make of this move here, Rodri, why they wanted to bring it?

41:37Cristina Alexander:This was a strange one. And I'm going to tell you why, because one week ago when I called Marcelino Garcia-Torral, he's from my hometown. We are close friends. And now he's coaching Villarreal. And I asked him about Freeman. And he was like, to be honest, I don't really know who this guy is. But when he came and when he trained, he called me back and he said, man, we've signed a really good guy. Good guy. Because he was impressed by the way that he was training. And he was impressed by the, you know, he's quick. He's powerful. He can play in the right back and the center back. So that is why you know after what happened to Juan Foy This is something that he was it was hard for Villarreal because Juan Foyt is a I mean not only Villarreal star but also an Argentina a national team star so they were They it became a space an empty space that no one could feel it and now Marcelino is pretty sure that they got a mid long-term guy that is gonna performance at the highest level in Europe

42:37Alejandro Moreno:Yeah, and at the time he got the opportunity at the U.S. Men's National Team level because of that Serginho Dest injury working his way back. Now with Dest back and him making this move, what does that mean now in terms of U.S. Men's National Team and that World Cup roster for Freeman?

42:54Herculez Gomez:It doesn't change anything for Alex Freeman. He's firmly in pole position to make the team for Marisa Pochettino. Marisa Pochettino, he's been just very transparent and open with his roster selection and player selection on game days. And Alex Freeman finds himself either on the right-hand side as a wingback or recently we've seen him as a third center back. He's got the frame. He's got the athleticism. I think he's very intelligent in not getting himself in too much trouble. The national team, we've seen him get in trouble with Orlando, this young player learning. But this is a player that's clearly impressed, Mauricio Pochettino.

43:26Herculez Gomez:So I don't foresee things changing too much. I don't think the U.S. Men's National Team is going to be in a position where they're constantly on the front foot in the World Cup. So it's going to be a situation where Sergino Des plays, yes. But I think it's going to be Sergino Des and Alex Freeman behind him.

43:42Cristina Alexander:Alex Freeman is a really good example of a player who had an opportunity with his team in Major League Soccer, did well with that opportunity. And because he has a manager in the national team that is willing to open the player pool to a larger number of players and gave an opportunity, he had a chance to get advantage of that chance because he played well. It was a productive performance with the national team that allows him to then become an option for a team like Villarreal. And he's also benefited from the success of CONCACAF players at Villarreal. I don't know. You can't, as an example, Tania Lugase is another example.

44:18Cristina Alexander:And so if you're a Villarreal decision maker, you kind of look in at this player and you may not know that much about him. And you maybe have some doubts, but you kind of go, you know what? This guy worked out. That guy worked out for us. It's no longer a risk to go after an MLS player or a CONCACAF player, but particularly an MLS player. And that, I think, without sounding much like you, Sanders TV, I'm not MLS TV. Oh, you kind of did. I'm just saying. You're CONCACAF TV. You need a lawyer? CONCACAF TV, Food, America TV. All I'm saying is that they, Villarreal in particular, obviously feel comfortable enough with this part of the world to say, you know what, that's a player that we want to invest in.

45:04Herculez Gomez:And I have to assume maybe you can put clarity on this, but they bring in players they don't know because the resume looks good and the value looks great. And in these CONCACAF products, you're finding value, bringing these players in and to, you know, as Ali alluded, they work out for you.

45:21Cristina Alexander:Well, I mean, Villarreal knew perfectly, and they have been followed Freeman for the last two years. I'm talking about Marcelino. He's the coach, but he has a sporting direction. I don't want to sound like La Liga television, but when you are Villarreal, you are the third team in La Liga at the moment. Because we're talking about Atletico Madrid, and we know indeed how powerful Atletico Madrid are, but in the first leg of La Liga, Villarreal was much better than Atletico Madrid. They performed at the highest level. So if I were Pochettino, I wouldn't give for granted that he's going to be on the bench for the World Cup.

45:59Cristina Alexander:Because if this guy performs like Marcelino, thinks that he can't perform in the second leg of La Liga, watch out. He's going to be really good for you as team.

46:10Alejandro Moreno:I mean, even if Dest is healthy, Freeman is going to come off the bench.

46:15Herculez Gomez:No, I think they both start. I just told you, he's behind Serginio Dest in a center-back position. I firmly believe there's a third center back position that's not been taken that Alex Freeman is going to take that's what I think I think Marisa Pochettino values him on the field but I think Serginio Dest is too important to the way this team plays and not unlocking teams when you have a chance that he's going to play but you can't trust him defensively you can Alex Freeman for Marisa Pochettino so I think he's going to play behind Serginio Dest

46:42Cristina Alexander:Selfishly I would also tell you that this sort of move that we have been discussing were not happening 20 years ago No. No, indeed. From MLS to La Liga, it wasn't happening. It wasn't even considered an option. And I'll give you an example. In the prime of my career, where I was scoring goals with the national team, I was scoring goals here in Major League Soccer, winning titles, the things that would come up as options would be either go to Denmark, go to Norway, or go to some either third division, and maybe try out for a second division team in Spain, and hopefully, maybe, you can catch on to something.

47:18Cristina Alexander:There was no appreciation, no respect for the brand of Major League Soccer as there is now.

47:24Herculez Gomez:Just to piggyback on that, we were having a discussion earlier about Real Betis and Álvaro Fidalgo, and we were naming off the players that had come from CONCACAF teams to Betis, and then before that, you had to go all the way back to Tabo Ramos. You know? Like, that's... And in the second division. And in the second division.

47:42Cristina Alexander:Because Ramos never played in the first division with Betis. Yeah.

47:46Alejandro Moreno:Speaking of Álvaro Fidalgo and Real Betis, let's get to another CONCACAF to La Liga move because obviously Americanistas are set to see him go.

47:57Cristina Alexander:Here we are.

47:58Alejandro Moreno:Álvaro Fidalgo leaving Club America officially for Real Betis, signing and committing to the team through June 2030 and sitting among so many titles that he won as an Americanista, obviously with goal contributions up to 22, 30 assists in 228 appearances for America in all competitions. Obviously, Americanistas know the value of Álvaro Fidalgo and the name that he made for himself, a naturalized now Mexican, so an option here for a three. But why Fidalgo? Why now for Betis?

48:31Cristina Alexander:Well, first of all, because Betis have been following Fidalgo for the last two years and a half. So, you know, it was a clear objective from Manu Fajardo, which is Betis' sporting director. Secondly, because for Fidalgo, this was the time. You know, you have the second leg of La Liga still to get to the World Cup. Let's see if Javier Aguirre will call him for the World Cup. But Fidalgo didn't want to leave America for free. At least he said, OK, this is the situation now, but, you know, pay a little bit more to America. And thirdly, because Albert Fidelgo, maybe two years ago, I remember a conversation that we got in Mexico.

49:12Cristina Alexander:And he told me, you know, I don't want to be, you know, 30, 32 years old and haven't played for La Liga. I want to play there. That is my dream. Because indeed in Mexico, I won trophies. I'm making history with America. He considers America and Mexico his second land and his second house. But at the same time he was dreaming of coming back to Spain and say to Spanish audience. I'm here I was born here and I can do it here So that is why now is the turn for for Alvaro Fidalgo. He's a top lad I mean, he's one of my closest friends indeed, but he's humble. He wants to add his qualities to to betis He's gonna train with one of the best Spanish talents with his co Argentine and Lofel so great players like Marroca and he wants to help He's not going to play as a starter 100 % of the time, but at least he's there.

50:04Cristina Alexander:And he's going to be there until 2030, which is, I think, a great bet from Betis. Álvaro Fidalgo TV over there. Indeed. You right am. So many different channels tonight. But I don't hide.

50:18Alejandro Moreno:Yeah, I mean, obviously this is a great move for Fidalgo. And like Rodri said, América was his second home, but he did everything there at the Liga MX and club level as well. Does this help his case for El Tri here coming up on the World Cup?

50:36Herculez Gomez:Certainly doesn't hurt it. It doesn't. Playing for Club America and Mexico and being successful helps your case for the national team. Playing a Real Betis will certainly not hurt that.

50:47Herculez Gomez:Unfortunately for Álvaro Fidalgo and Javier Aguirre, there is this sentiment that too many naturalized players on the national team is a bad thing. So Javier Aguirre has a decision to make on how many he takes. And I think unfairly and justly will hurt Álvaro Fidalgo. Álvaro Fidalgo is a very good player in between the boxes. And he had to pay his dues in Liga de Américas. He had to eat a lot of criticism, take a lot from people, be the scapegoat to situations with America when things weren't going well. And overcame that one-on-three-peat, made four straight finals, and he leaves a very well-respected and well-liked individual.

51:27Herculez Gomez:Some would even say club legend. I don't know if I'd go that far, but some would go that far. He's the main legend. That wasn't me, but I could think that. But I could see wanting to be known. I could see wanting to be known. He was in the Real Madrid Youth Academy. He played Champions League, but he never debuted in first division. And it's you're big in China. You're big in Japan type of deal. He wants to be big and known in one of the best leagues in the world, and he knows he has Mexico not as an option, but he has Mexico that he could try to win his spot. I think he's good enough to be on the Mexican national team in this World Cup, not just because of who he is, but I repeat, because of the player pool and who they aren't.

52:11Cristina Alexander:I think if you're Javier Aguirre, you have to make a very practical decision, and you put the names that you just mentioned not too long ago in terms of who's available in that midfield for Mexico, and you kind of go, oh, you got Edson Alvarez, you mentioned Obed Vargas. The rest of that group that you mentioned, who's significantly better than Álvaro Fidalgo? In fact, who's better than Álvaro Fidalgo? And so that's when I, if I'm Javier Aguirre, and I know that I'm light in that position, I know that I'm short in town, in that area of the field, then I have to say, yeah, I'm going to take criticism either way.

52:45Cristina Alexander:One way or another, people are going to hate my decisions, and they're going to pick a bar on my decision. So I might as well go with what I think is going to give me the best chance to win games. And if that means that I got to play with Adolf Hidalgo, come on down. Vamos, papito. Papi, ¿quieres jugar? ¿Vos querés? Ven, aquí.

53:00Herculez Gomez:You know what the problem is, Ale? Is most people that are against los naturalizados, the naturalized players in the Mexican national team, see it through the lens of if he's not a starter, if he's not a difference maker, he shouldn't be on the team. And that's not how it works. There aren't levels of being Mexican. There aren't levels of you being on the national team. It's either you're good enough to be on the national team, and then from there, we'll see if you're good enough to start, or you're not. They don't see it that way. They think, well, if you don't know if you're going to do something, that I got a difference.

53:33Herculez Gomez:And I don't think I'll do a difference. If he's not going to be the difference maker, he shouldn't be there. And that savior complex is what's gotten them to where they are today. Nowhere.

53:42Cristina Alexander:They were having this conversation about Sinha, for goodness sakes. It's never good enough for the Mexican fan, right? It's never good enough because apparently in their minds they should be much better than what they really are. So if I'm Javier Aguirre, I would just say, look, does he make my team better? And if he makes my team better, come on down, baby. That's it. I mean, it's a weird situation for Álvaro because for a Spanish audience, he's more Mexican, despite the fact that he's from Asturias and he was born in Sporting de Quijón as a football player and played for Red Madrid Academy. But for a Mexican audience, he's more Spanish.

54:15Cristina Alexander:So I do understand what Ale is saying, and I do agree with that point, because if he's good enough and he proves in Betis, Betis is the fifth team in Spain, now in the table. They've been fifth in the last three, four years. They've always been in Europe League and in Conference League. So, I mean, it's not any team, Betis. So he's going to train with Isco. He's going to train with Lo Celso, with these great players. But his coach, too. Pellegrini. Indeed, Pellegrini. So if he performances well, why not? Why not? I would tell all the people from Mexico, forget about where he's coming from. Forget about that he's Spanish.

54:54Cristina Alexander:Forget about who is Álvaro Fidalgo. Just think about America's Álvaro Fidalgo. It's about getting there. All you got to see is him going like this to the national anthem and move forward. He knows lyrics.

55:06Herculez Gomez:Is there the Sporting Gijón reference over there? No, he did.

55:09Cristina Alexander:How many TV stations does he have? Álvaro and Sporting the Gijón. Yeah, absolutely.

55:16Alejandro Moreno:Hey, he keeps his fanaticism. But he's very transparent about it. And we always appreciate your presence. I'm not going to lie to you all. Never, never on Football Americas, especially with Rodri Faiz. Rodri, we very much appreciate your time.

55:30Cristina Alexander:Thanks for having me. It's a pleasure as always.

55:32Alejandro Moreno:Yeah, come back anytime you want. You got to work with her twice today, so. I was going to say it's your lucky day. Oh, three times.

55:40Herculez Gomez:Is it?

55:40Alejandro Moreno:Third time.

55:41Herculez Gomez:Third time?

55:42Cristina Alexander:Yeah, three different shows. Okay, cool. Okay.

55:44Alejandro Moreno:Third time was a charm.

55:46Cristina Alexander:Alvaro Fidalgo TV is live and well.

55:48Alejandro Moreno:Well, we just talked about these two teams. Real Betis and Atlético de Madrid. They face each other in La Copa del Rey. Thursday, 3 p.m. Eastern on ESPN Plus and streaming live on the ESPN app.

56:01Cristina Alexander:Rich Eisen here. The tax deadline will be here before you know it. And you just want to know your taxes are actually being handled. But the old way? You hand everything off and then silence. Days pass. Weeks pass. You start wondering, should I send another follow-up email? It feels like you're chasing updates and getting nowhere. But now, taxes are different because your taxes are done for you by a TurboTax full-service expert. With Intuit TurboTax, you can match with your dedicated tax expert and hand off everything right in the app. And while your expert checks for every deduction, you'll see real-time updates on your phone so you always know exactly where things stand.

56:40Cristina Alexander:Suddenly, you're not refreshing your inbox. You're going for a run, grabbing a coffee, scrolling anything other than a just checking in message. Because your TurboTax expert is handling it and keeping you in the loop. So this tax season, get your best possible outcome and every dollar you deserve without the guesswork. Visit TurboTax.com today to learn more. Real-time updates only in iOS mobile app. Only available with TurboTax full-service experts.

57:08Alejandro Moreno:Want to earn extra income for your business? Amazon Hub Delivery is looking for ambitious business owners to assist with local deliveries. When you become a partner, you and your staff will deliver packages to customers in your area on a schedule that works for you. With each package delivered, you'll gain extra income and exposure for your business. Plus, Amazon Hub Delivery makes it easy to get started. There's no upfront costs, delivery experience, or long-term contracts required. Sign up to learn more at Amazon.com slash Hub Delivery. That's Amazon.com slash H-U-B Delivery. All right. Producer Beto says it's time for Chivas TV.

57:43Alejandro Moreno:Apparently Atlético de San Luis versus Chivas, who have had quite the strong start. And let's start with a strong run in the 31st minute. Richie Ledesma, one-two pass. Ledesma scores.

57:57Herculez Gomez:He's feeling himself, huh? Yeah. You know he used to play as a central midfielder? I don't know if you can tell by that. Oh, boy. Wait a minute.

58:03Cristina Alexander:Are we just going to ignore the goalkeeper in this or what?

58:06Herculez Gomez:Oh, the play was so pretty.

58:08Cristina Alexander:Andy Sanchez action, okay.

58:10Herculez Gomez:Where is Shaq when you need him?

58:11Cristina Alexander:Shaq is dropping. Handball, handball, handball.

58:14Herculez Gomez:Shaq is dropping.

58:15Alejandro Moreno:I mean, yeah, pretty clear. What's Romo going to do here on that one?

58:19Herculez Gomez:Renalty.

58:20Alejandro Moreno:I mean.

58:20Herculez Gomez:They called it.

58:22Alejandro Moreno:Joe Pedro taking care of business. Aim tied, 1-1 in the Alfonso Lastras. Right before the half, Chivas taking the lead yet again, Daniel Aguirre.

58:34Cristina Alexander:Oh, all right, okay. Man, I'll tell you what, that was Friday night for me.

58:39Alejandro Moreno:What?

58:39Cristina Alexander:What? I'm sorry, what, did I say that out loud? Someone was teaching Ale how to Dougie. Let's take it before.

58:47Alejandro Moreno:Again, 51st minute. Potential offside.

58:51Herculez Gomez:Oh, man, like what are we calling? I mean. I guess so, but somebody's moving that semi-automatic. Somebody's deciding where to coach.

59:00Alejandro Moreno:What are we doing? Oh, man. That's a lot of the times here with offside call. 46 minute, though. Tying it up, San Luis said absolutely it. It's Pedro again.

59:11Cristina Alexander:Good serve from the right-hand side. Good combination play, overlapping run. And then good move from Eduardo Pedro who gets ahead of the defender. Good finish from my kind of range.

59:20Alejandro Moreno:Oh, yeah. Speaking of a good finish, Chivas was trying to get the win on this one.

59:25Herculez Gomez:I don't know how this is now offside. La Ormiga, another goal. That's a talking point. Yes, it is. But look at this and tell me when it's not right here. Right here. Woo. Well, I guess not.

59:37Alejandro Moreno:Apparently not. All right.

59:39Cristina Alexander:Are you saying you don't trust the technology? No, señor.

59:42Alejandro Moreno:Chivas was like, you know, we're definitely going to trust the technology. They beat Atletico San Luis 3-2, still atop of the Liga MX table with 12 points, three clear of Cruz Azul and Atlas. We know things are just getting started, but a strong start for Chivas. That's something that we haven't heard, at least in a few seasons.

1:00:03Herculez Gomez:Yeah, it's been 2023. Elko Panovich three weeks in, and then League's Cup hits, and then it's all downhill from that.

1:00:11Alejandro Moreno:Oh, man, but this is uphill for us, as always. I want to remind you, ESPN FC is available daily on ESPN+. And for now, we say our goodbyes. We will be back on Thursday, just in a very different setting. Eric, ready? It's Super Bowl week.

1:00:30Cristina Alexander:Oh, right?

1:00:31Alejandro Moreno:It's Super Bowl week.

1:00:32Cristina Alexander:All right. Ale, want to come? Now I know why I was not invited for Thursday. You're invited. If we stay local, I'm always good for Thursday, apparently. When it goes to the Super Bowl, no. What day is it today?

1:00:44Alejandro Moreno:Day is Monday. You stay home. Day is Monday.

1:00:46Cristina Alexander:Huh? Day is Monday. That's what I'm saying. You got time. No, that's fine.

1:00:51Alejandro Moreno:Who needs a lawyer now? We will be live from Santa Clara. We will see you there. And I will make it known. See you. Bye.

1:01:04Herculez Gomez:You know, Mio.

1:01:22Cristina Alexander:From 30 for 30 Podcasts. I need everyone. You got fired. Did you say someone got fired?

1:01:31Herculez Gomez:Brian Pata, senior defensive lineman from Miami, gunned down. The key to this case, it's Brian.

1:01:39Alejandro Moreno:Brian, he scrapped it.

1:01:41Herculez Gomez:An hour before he died, he was on the phone arguing with somebody. This might be a hit. You want the truth. They just want a conviction. They're placing the arrest.

1:01:48Cristina Alexander:We had a killer amongst us. Murder at the U. Listen now.