Another exciting round of friendlies are about to kick-off for Mexico. With matches set against Costa Rica and Chile during the international break, several fringe and inexperienced options will now have a chance to make a name for themselves for Mexico. In a transitionary stage for the national team after the World Cup, El Tri will now need to test out several new faces who have the capabilities of making an impact in the near future.
All that said, it can be argued that the search for alternative players has unfortunately overlooked some key figures. Here are five Liga MX options that were forgotten by El Tri in the September and October call-ups:
Alexis Vega -- FW, Toluca
If Mexico needs more young strikers for the national team, why not give an opportunity to Vega? Toluca's No. 9 has stepped up as a key player this season with 3 goals and 2 assists. With a serious lack of back-ups to Raul Jimenez and Javier Hernandez, Vega could eventually become an intriguing third-string option if he maintains his momentum.
At just 20 years of age, the energetic attacker has shown to have a compelling potential. After charging through Toluca's academy and ranks, Vega has now emerged as one of the best young Mexican strikers. It's only a matter of time before El Tri is forced to give him a chance to shine on the international stage.
Luis Romo -- DF, Queretaro
Mexico can benefit significantly from the inclusion of another defender who can comfortably play as a left center-back. Romo has thrived in that position for Queretaro and is one the main reasons why Los Gallos Blancos have only allowed 13 goals in 12 games. The steady 23-year-old, who recently made his league debut in July, has immediately become an invaluable presence for the Queretaro side that is sitting in 8th place.
As alluded to earlier, Mexico has a worrying lack of depth in the left center-back position. Adding in a name like Romo can help ease the transition for the national team that has no clear cut back-up to Hector Moreno in the backline.
Marcel Ruiz -- MF, Queretaro
It's tempting to wonder how much more attention would be paid to Ruiz if he played for a team like Chivas or Club America. Most other 17-year-olds like the midfielder need a handful of seasons to develop the same confidence that he has immediately secured. When watching Ruiz, it's highly impressive to see the way the young player loves to dictate the pace of the game through his distribution and playmaking. Although it's fair to ponder if the teenager should be given more time before earning a call-up to the national team, his poise in nearly every game --- and one goal and two assists so far --- make him difficult to ignore.
Pablo Lopez -- MF, Pachuca
Following the exit of Erick Gutierrez to PSV, Lopez has taken charge as superb midfield replacement for Pachuca. The 20-year-old, who has two goals and one assist in his last five games, has needed very few games to adjust to his new starting role for Los Tuzos.
It's no surprise that Pachuca's developmental factory has produced another exciting young talent, and given time, many more will soon be discussing Lopez in the Mexican soccer world. He might not be on the same level as a Gutierrez or Hirving Lozano just yet, but if the national team is looking towards the next generation of talent, giving Lopez a call-up wouldn't be a bad place to start.
Alan Mozo -- DF, Pumas
Another young defender that is overlooked by Mexico. As a high-pressing right-back, Mozo has stepped up for Pumas with one goal and two assists this season. Despite the fact that he has looked questionable in a couple of appearances, the 21-year-old has been able to solidify a place in Pumas' XI through 12 starts this season.
If Mozo can continue improving his tackline and interceptions, there's no doubt that he'll have the capabilities of becoming one of the more thrilling fullbacks in the league.