Malagón’s Starting Position for Mexico’s National Team in Jeopardy

LOS ANGELES, CA — As the Concacaf Nations League Final approaches, questions swirl around Luis Ángel Malagón‘s starting role for the Mexican national team. In a recent episode of TUDN’s podcast Selecciona2, sports analysts David Faitelson and Andrés Vaca discussed potential shifts in the lineup.

Many expect Malagón, a standout goalie for America, to retain his position. However, Vaca expressed concerns that Malagón is “one mistake away” from losing his spot to Raúl Rangel, who is vying for a chance to take the helm in goal.

Vaca stated, “I don’t think Aguirre will make a change. But I have a feeling that if Malagón makes a significant error, he will bench him for ‘Tala’ Rangel before the World Cup.”

Joining the discussion, Faitelson agreed but noted, “For me, Malagón should be the World Cup goalkeeper, period.” He challenged whether Rangel could compete for the spot. “I don’t think so, but I sense that the first mistake Malagón makes, he’ll be benched.”

The analysts acknowledged Rangel’s talent, with Faitelson remarking that the Chivas keeper might be “better with his feet.” However, Faitelson emphasized Malagón’s strong positioning in the team, adding, “All goalkeepers make mistakes. The issue is making a mistake at a decisive moment; for instance, against Canada, that moment would have changed the game.”

Despite these concerns, Faitelson maintained that the national team’s challenges do not stem from the goalkeeper position but rather from the overall gameplay. “Mexico generated very little football; Canada produced the play, while Mexico scored the goals, relying on Raul Jiménez’s brilliance,” he concluded.

As Mexico prepares to face Panama in the Nations League Final, coach Javier Aguirre may implement several changes, particularly in central defense and midfield. According to reports, Aguirre is expected to swap in Erik Lira and Carlos Rodríguez in hopes of bolstering the team’s performance and securing their first title in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Panama’s head coach Thomas Christiansen is set to announce his lineup for the final match, aiming for victory against Mexico, a team he has yet to defeat since taking the role in July 2020.

“If we have to chew on grass to win, we will do it,” Christiansen asserted in a pre-match press conference, expressing pride in leading his team into the Final.

The predictions regarding lineup changes and potential tactics intensify suspense leading to the final match, set to take place at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.