Tijuana Xolos: Is Juan Martin Lucero Due for a Breakout Season?
There have been signings this off-season that may be overshadowing the talent that the Tijuana Xolos already have on their current roster.
Particularly in the attack, the splash signing of Gustavo Bou from the Argentine League has left many forgetting about Juan Martin Lucero.
The 25-year-old striker came over from the Malaysian League, and there was a concern initially if he could adapt to the Liga MX coming over from Malaysia.
Lucero played in 16 games, but only four were as a starter. In 455 minutes, the Argentine scored four goals in Liga MX play.
This was an extremely impressive mark considering that his teammate, Milton Caraglio, scored just five goals in 1285 minutes of play.
It is still unclear what formation manager Eduardo Coudet will use during the Apertura 2017.
But in the past with Rosario Central in Argentina, “El Chacho” has used a two-striker formation.
At Rosario Central, Coudet often used the partnership of Marco Ruben and Marcelo Larrondo or also used German Herrera to pair with one of the strikers. Now at Club Tijuana, Coudet has two potent strikers that can be a deadly partnership in the Liga MX in freshly signed, Gustavo Bou and Juan Martin Lucero.
“El Gato” (The Cat) Lucero and “La Pantera” (The Panther) Bou, should ironically be two dangerous felines in the Aztec Canines attack. Lucero showcased speed, aerial abilities, and a tremendous finishing ability last season, which are qualities that can make the Argentine a force in the Liga MX.
That, with players like Bou, Ignacio Malcorra, Paul Arriola, and Joe Corona to aid him, can make for a breakout season for the South American striker. Lucero is only on loan until the end of the season at Club Tijuana, but a breakout season here could earn him a longer stay in the border city.
Francisco, 26, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego Loyal, San Diego Wave.