At the beginning of the tournament, there was a lot of talk about whether Chivas needed a more experienced goalkeeper or a more experienced central defender. However, both the board of directors and the coaching staff bet on the #CanteraRojiblanca, they took a gamble with homegrown players and 12 games later the numbers have backed up the decision. How so? Why so sure? Check out both the group and the individual statistics of the Red-and-White wall.
El Rebaño Sagrado remains the best defense in the national championship with only 8 goals conceded in 12 matches played. In fact, they have not been scored against in half of those matches and they have never allowed more than 2 goals conceded.
But aside from the numbers achieved, the outstanding performance of the rearguard is noticeable during the matches, so far El Chiverío is the only team in the competition that has NOT allowed any goals from corner kicks, nor from crosses from the left flank. In addition, they have only permitted 34 shots on goal and are the third team in the league with the fewest shots on goal conceded with 99.
On an individual level, the change to a line of 4 has worked out well for El Rebaño, as they were able to consolidate 5 players as fundamental pillars of the red-and-white wall:
- Miguel Jiménez has simply and amply demonstrated why he was chosen to be in charge of guarding the goal. Now in round 12 of the tournament, 'Wacho' has kept a clean sheet in 6 of the 12 matches played and is the fifth goalkeeper with the most saves, with 46.
- Gilberto Orozco assigned as a left back, despite being a newbie to the position, has managed to establish himself as the defender with the second most W' in Defensive One on One's won in the entire league with 18. He is also the team's player with the most recoveries, with 88.
- Luis Olivas has an understanding with Gilberto Sepúlveda in the central defense, between them they have made it practically impossible for an aerial ball to penetrate the area. Likewise, 'Tiba' is the red and white player with the most balls won in his own area with 35.
- Jesús Sánchez has given that dose of experience, tranquility and leadership to the backline. Our captain has been a permanent outlet on the right flank thanks to the perfect understanding he has with 'Cone' Brizuela down that side.
