Rodriguez looks like player beyond his years in Mexico debut

Carlos Rodriguez's international debut may have come as a surprise for many Mexico fans, but for El Tri manager Tata Martino it simply made sense. 

The 22-year-old is playing often with Monterrey, getting high-level matches in both Liga MX and the Concacaf Champions League. He fits the profile of an interior midfielder Martino needs for his system. And he plays like a far more experienced player than he actually is.

"Carlos Rodriguez plays like he plays, which looks like a 30-year-old," Martino said with a chuckle after Friday's match. Both he and Rodriguez made their Mexico debuts with a 3-1 win over Chile. "There's no reason why I shouldn't use him."

While Rodriguez is still a bit green, his rise may not be as sudden as it seems. He played 30 matches last season with Toledo in the Spanish second division, largely escaping attention from the Mexican press but getting valuable minutes against quality teams. Upon his return to Monterrey, manager Diego Alonso felt comfortable putting him next to players like Argentina international Maxi Meza and ahead of Jonathan Gonzalez.

Taking questions from the press after the match, he looked more like the young kid who is still eligible for the 2020 Olympic team. The Monterrey player spoke softly but clearly was thrilled not only to be in the national team camp and make his debut but to do so from the first minute possible.

"When they told us what the team was that was going to go out there today, I saw I’d be starting and, well, that’s a lot of responsibility and I wanted to do my best," he said.

Clearly, Martino is ready to back up his position that players in Liga MX are getting as much competition as players in other leagues - especially those who aren't seeing minutes. Rodriguez went 90 minutes before making way for Rayados teammate Miguel Layun in garbage time.

That meant he was playing the whole contest opposite Andres Guardado, the Mexico captain who Martino praised for consistently playing both at a high level in Europe and coming in to help Mexico at every opportunity. Rodriguez is getting a later start than Guardado, who went to the World Cup as a teenager, but still hopes to emulate the Real Betis player and perhaps to get a return to Spain. Right now, though, his focus turns to Mexico's friendly against Paraguay and how he can keep catching Martino's eye.

"There are players who have had a lot of experience. For me, I just have to learn the most I can and still grow as a player," Rodriguez said. "I’m happy for the debut and for being alongside such great players. You always dream about being here, and I’m enjoying it to the maximum possible."

More minutes in the second match may be too much for Rodriguez to ask, and his next start could be hard to come by with Hector Herrera set to get into the national team in the summer. Still, Rodriguez can be pleased with a debut in which he didn't look at all inexperienced. A Gold Cup call-up is within reach.

Quickly taken

- Luis "Chaka" Rodriguez turned in another strong showing at right back and definitely looks like he could be the answer for Mexico at the Gold Cup. The 2022 World Cup may be too much to ask from the 28-year-old, but for the converted midfielder to be in the conversation is an achievement.

- He may be built for the position, but Edson Alvarez didn't display great positional awareness in the center of the midfield three. The America player is asked to fill many different roles but he'd be well-served by getting consistent minutes in one place both on the club and international levels. Arturo Vidal made his life difficult as he floated in all directions around him. The Barcelona midfielder is far savvier than most players he'll see at the Gold Cup, but it's still a spot to watch.

- Rodolfo Pizarro liked the spot he was asked to play, coming outside in from the wing and looking to create. "I felt really free and really comfortable," he told Goal after the game. "I was able to try and look for the ball. It was a very free role." Yet Martino noted the Rayados attacker probably wouldn't have played had Jesus "Tecatito" Corona been available. Pizarro isn't good enough to build the team around and shoehorn in a No. 10, nor is he the best wing option. Finding a place in the team may be hard.