Photo via @FCPortoWorld
Saturday was a busy day for Los Europeos. Joshua Picazo reviews the day for us.
Chicharito Hernandez – Man Utd
Chicharito replaced Adnan Januzaj in the 67th minute and nearly scored the winner against Newcastle United. However, Tim Krul remained true his name and blocked the shot. It is great to see Hernandez getting minutes and being a threat so soon after returning from an injury. The rumors of transfers haven’t died down just yet, but for the meantime, he is fighting for playing time at his old stomping grounds to the delight of many. With Pedro going to Chelsea, Chicharito might see the season out at United and with Rooney struggling, he could be getting a start soon.
Carlos Vela and Diego Reyes -Real Sociedad
Vela and Reyes both started as La Liga season opened up. Diego Reyes played the entire match and had a solid debut in Spain. He did well to stop a threat in the 83rd minute by Lucas Perez to preserve the tie. Diego did well to repay the faith David Moyes placed in him. Vela also did his job, creating chances and drawing yellow cards against Deportivo De la Coruña but was replaced in the 88th minute for the 0-0 draw. It was a hard earned point on the road but left fans feeling Real Sociedad had more in them.
Andres Guardado-PSV
Guardado once again remains one of PSV’s most consistent players. Last week, he made an incredible pass from midfield that was unfortunately wasted. His teammates made sure that was not the case this week, as his long ball met Narsingh who then headed a pass to a wide open Luuk De Jong that equalized and salvaged a point for the defending Eredivisie champions. His countryman Hector Moreno is expected to make his debut next week after receiving work permit. PSV has lost a couple of key players from last year and it will take time to get into gear.
Hector Herrera-Porto
Herrera still seems to be struggling to regain the form he showed last season but found some relief with a game tying goal in the 34th minute. He was substituted out in the 55th minute of a 1-1 draw with Máritimo. Competition for minutes will be tough at Porto this season. HH will need to get out of this funk to make sure he keeps getting starts for Porto.
Rafael Marquez-Hellas Verona
Rafa will be returning to El Tri’s roster next month and didn’t miss a beat against Serie A contenders AS Roma. He was a big reason why Hellas Verona held the away team to a 1-1 draw. Verona’s defense wasn’t threatened as much as expected but Marquez did his job. The summer rest seems to have done Rafa good. Marquez is not expected to make 2018 World Cup but he can provide some leadership as the road to 2018 begins.