Carlos Vela’s replacement in Mexico National Team could be playing for FC Barcelona next season

Carlos Vela decided to officially retire from Mexico National Team a few weeks ago, announcing it on an interview with ESPN, although he hasn’t played with El Tri since 2018, when they were eliminated in the round of 16 of Russia 2018.

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Carlos Vela won’t play again for Mexico National Team, but this striker is ready to replace him

It’s true that his talent and scoring streak is missed in a squad that lacks a player with his abilities, as Mexico National Team has scored only four goals in the last five games they’ve played in the CONCACAF Qualifiers, reason why they haven’t been able to secure their ticket to Qatar 2022.

Instead, Carlos Vela scored a hat-trick on his last game with Los Angeles FC, on the opening match of the 2022 MLS Season, showing that he’s still able to play at a high level, although it seems that he chose his comfort over the compromise with his decision of not wearing El Tri’s colors again.

But his decision is an opportunity for other players to take his place and show why they should be considered over Vela, not only for the talent or the things that they can give to El Tri, but also by showing that they want to play for the Aztec squad.

Who is the player that can replace Vela?

One of those players that has showed the love and the desire of wearing El Tri colors is Marcelo Flores, a player that could choose to represent Canada or England, as he holds the three nationalities, but has said multiple times that his wish is to play for El Tri.

He currently is part of Arsenal U-23 team and is just a step away from debuting with the senior squad, as Mikel Arteta usually calls him to train with them. With just 18 years, he’s one of the most promising players that Mexico has.

His talent has gathered interest from multiple European clubs, as he was followed by Real Betis and Sevilla, and Arsenal even thought of including him in a trade with FC Barcelona for Philippe Coutinho, although the Blaugranas eventually decided to send the Brazilian left-winger to Aston Villa.

But that hasn’t stopped them from trying to acquire his services for the next season, as Marcelo Flores fills the needs of Xavi Hernández, given his versatility and the goal-scoring touch he has, as he’s usually involved on the scoreboard, either by scoring or assisting.

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