Israel Reyes
CB (RB)
Deep-Lying Playmaker
May 23, 2000 (26)
Right
5'11"
161 lb
Solid at right-back Thursday
Reyes registered one shot (zero on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and two chances created in Thursday's 2-0 win against South Africa.
Analysis: Reyes ended up overtaking Jorge Eduardo Sanchez in the race for the right-sided spot in the national team's back four for the match against South Africa. The versatile defender stood out with three clearances and a couple of chances created as Mexico's dominance allowed him to push forward at times. He could now be expected to stay active on the flank, even though he's also a viable option to fill in for the suspended Cesar Montes in the central zone, in which case he would gain added value through defensive numbers but lose creative upside.
Versatile defensive option
Reyes has been called up to the Mexican squad that will compete for the World Cup this summer, and he's likely to be part of the defensive rotation.
Analysis: Reyes is coming off an excellent domestic campaign in which he impressed both at center- and right-back. With Mexico, however, he's expected to feature primarily on the flank, where he remains locked in a close battle with Jorge Eduardo Sanchez for playing time and could alternate between starts and substitute appearances throughout the tournament. The 26-year-old will also have extra motivation knowing several European clubs are monitoring him ahead of a potential move after the World Cup. He has already made 31 international appearances, standing out for his defensive reliability, and also scoring a pair of goals back in 2023.
Makes WC squad, league season over
Reyes is not an option for his club's final games of the Clausura campaign as he'll report early to the World Cup training camp, per the Mexican national team's official website.
Analysis: Reyes will be a major absence for the Azulcremas, with his place in the back line most likely taken by Ramon Juarez. The versatile defender had played the full 90 minutes in eight consecutive league matches, providing an assist and averaging 2.8 clearances per game over that span. He should serve as a solid right-back option at the international level, challenging Jorge Eduardo Sanchez in that position, but also offering backup to center-backs Johan Vasquez and Cesar Montes.
Provides assist in victory
Reyes assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal) and one chance created in Tuesday's 3-2 victory versus Leon.
Analysis: Reyes intercepted the ball and sent it forward into the attacking half, where Brian Rodriguez made a big dribbling play for the third-minute opener. The assist opened Reyes' goal contributions count in 14 Clausura appearances, as he continued to get more frequently involved in defensive actions. He has played a vital role, switching between right-sided and center-back positions lately, but he might have only one more chance to produce this season, with his potential call-up to the Mexican national team forcing him to miss the playoffs.
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