Mexico’s roster for the World Cup qualifier vs. USMNT is loaded

Juan Carlos Osorio has named a 25-man roster for gigantic Mexico’s World Cup qualifier against the United States (Nov. 11, FS1) and he’s done exactly as he promised: picked the best, most in-form players available. While some were concerned that he might try to piece together a team, leaving some of Mexico’s best players at home, he’s done nothing of the sort. All of El Tri’s best are on the roster and now that Osorio has them all, he’ll go to work on trying to figure out the best team to take on the Americans.

Getty Images Getty Images

There is the big question question of who is going to start in goal for Mexico. Osorio rotated through goalkeepers at Copa America Centenario and doesn’t seem to have a No. 1, or even a 2 or 3. But Talavera is in the mix and could be in the net as he continues to play well for Toluca.

This content is subject to copyright. AFP/Getty Images

If Osorio wants experience and leadership, he probably turns to Corona. It’s not that the other candidates don’t bring that, but the 35-year-old has been with the national team for years and even captained them for part of the 2015 Copa America.

LatinContent LatinContent/Getty Images

Mexico’s Golden Boy has had a strange career. He’s flashed his brilliance, like at the 2014 World Cup, but has also gone stretches without playing for his club. He appeared to have a slight leg up on Talavera and Corona at Copa America Centenario, but who knows now.

Getty Images Getty Images

Reyes is sometimes brilliant, but he’s also had periods of struggles and still makes dumb mistakes from time to time. That’s not ideal for a player who, at 24, is no longer a kid trying to figure things out. But when he’s good, he’s truly special.

This content is subject to copyright. AFP/Getty Images

Moreno is Mexico’s best defender bar none. He’ll be starting against the U.S. and the anchor of El Tri’s back line.

LatinContent LatinContent/Getty Images

Salcedo could be the future of the Mexico defense. The 23-year-old’s terrific play for Chivas earned him a move to Fiorentina, where he’s played well this season. Making matters more fun is that he spent some time living in the United States and made his professional debut for Real Salt Lake in MLS.

Getty Images Getty Images

Layun is Mr. Everything for Mexico. He can play either fullback position, in the midfield or even in an attacking role. Osorio basically picks his team and fits Layun into one of the vacant spots.

LatinContent LatinContent/Getty Images

Ayala’s biggest issues has been injuries. He looked like the future of the Mexico defense when he starred for Tigres way back in 2011, winning the award for Liga MX’s best centerback. But not being able to stay on the field or play at full strength has caused him problems. He’s had a run of fitness over the last couple years, though. Unsurprisingly, that’s all it took to get him back into the Mexico team/

LatinContent LatinContent/Getty Images

Marquez just won’t go away. Every couple years it seems like he’s finally going to fade away and ride out a few seasons at the club level before retiring, but the 37-year-old is still going strong. He’s arguably the biggest villain in the history of the U.S./Mexico rivalry and he’ll be back in Columbus again this time around.

Omar Vega LatinContent/Getty Images

Araujo has never really been able to stick as a Mexico regular, but he’s always on the periphery and Osorio seems to like him.

LatinContent LatinContent/Getty Images

Alanis has had a good few years, first with Santos Laguna and then with Chivas. Now he’s played his way into Osorio’s Mexico.

This content is subject to copyright. AFP/Getty Images

Herrera is Mexico’s best midfielder and arguably their best player period. He’s the FC Porto captain and has proven himself at the highest levels for club and country.

This content is subject to copyright. AFP/Getty Images

The younger dos Santos is a good midfielder who gives Mexico a bit more solidity when he’s on the pitch. He could feature against the U.S., depending on how Osorio approaches the match.

LatinContent LatinContent/Getty Images

Guardado is sometimes Mexico’s captain and among the most complete players El Tri has. He’s played on the wing, at left back and as a central midfielder. Wherever he plays, you can bet on seeing him against the U.S.

This content is subject to copyright. AFP/Getty Images

Fabian was once looked at as Mexico’s next big star. He had a few rough years in there, tempering hopes, but a move to Eintracht Frankfurt is really paying off now. He’s been excellent in the Bundesliga and is one of Osorio’s most in-form players.

LatinContent LatinContent/Getty Images

It was only a month ago that there were questions of whether dos Santos would ever play for Mexico again. He’d never been called in by Osorio and the two, from the outside, appeared to be at odds. But dos Santos played in a pair of October friendlies and was arguably Mexico’s best player. Now he’s firmly back in the squad and with the way he’s torn up MLS defenses for the LA Galaxy, there’s reason to believe he can make a big impact against the U.S.

This content is subject to copyright. AFP/Getty Images

Duenas isn’t great at much of anything, but he’s pretty dependably and a nice option to have for a team that could lean upon its depth.

The 20-year-old has already proven himself as a good Liga MX player and he hasn’t looked out of place in his few Mexico appearances, but taking on the U.S. would be his biggest test yet.

LatinContent LatinContent/Getty Images

Once estranged from the Mexico program, Vela made a comeback to El Tri following th 2014 World Cup. But then he fell out with the team again and this is his first call-up in a year. If he’s feeling it, though, he can win a match all by himself.

LatinContent LatinContent/Getty Images

The 23-year-old figures to be Mexico’s next star. He had a scintillating goal at Copa America Centenario and has shown himself to be a real threat for El Tri, all while also starring from Twente and then FC Porto. At this point, it’s just a matter of when he becomes a full-fledged star.

LatinContent LatinContent/Getty Images

Jimenez is the most expensive Mexican to ever be transferred. Benfica had him on loan last season and after he scored 12 times, they shelled out big to complete a €22 million transfer. He has nine goals for Mexico too.

LatinContent LatinContent/Getty Images

The unquestioned star of the Mexico team, Chicharito is no longer just a big name in search of a home. After a couple rocky seasons at Manchester United and Real Madrid, he landed at Bayer Leverkusen last seasn and scored 26 goals. Now he has seven in 13 matches this season, making him red hot, to go along with his 45 career Mexico goals and big name.

This content is subject to copyright. AFP/Getty Images

If you want pace and tricks from the wing, Aquino is your man. He’s in and out of the Mexico starting lineup, but Osorio likes to have him as an option and he can causes opposing defenses some real problems.

This content is subject to copyright. AFP/Getty Images

Lozano joins Pineda as Liga MX’s top young players. The 21-year-old came through the Pachuca academy and has been terrific since debuting in 2013. He’s already helped Pachuca win the 2016 Clausura, when he was named to the Liga MX Best XI. Lozano also has a World Cup qualifying goal to his name too and with 12 goals for Pachuca already this season, El tri are getting a player who is playing great right now.

LatinContent LatinContent/Getty Images

Peralta is often overlooked. He’s never been a star for Mexico because his game isn’t especially flashy and El Tri have Chicharito, but all he’s done is score. He’s won Best Player and Striker awards, not to mention the Golden Ball for his clubs. All of that to go with a Mexico career that has seen him score 23 in 52 caps. Peralta may not be a star, but he’s deadly.

LatinContent LatinContent/Getty Images