Posted by Sean Marraffini

Coming off the heels of the 2011 Gold Cup, where Mexico were far and away the better them, the second highest scoring player on team, Aldo de Nigris could be the right player to help Monterrey land another title. 

In his time with Rayados and the national side he has proven he can score goals, and at key times. He was the man in 2009 to put his side up against Cruz Azul on aggregate in the playoff finals, which they went on to win.

His four goals and leadership were a key part in this year’s Gold Cup only falling three behind super star Hernandez.

Aldo fits in well with coach Victor Manuel Vucetich who plays a very offensive style. He likes to put men behind like Suazo and Walter Ayovi behind the ball and go for goal. It was that offensive push that gets de Nigris and Suazo their chances. Which the likes of Suazo made good on with last moment heroics to bring home the Apertura title in 2010.



Also the duo lead the way in scoring on the way to 2010-2011 CONCACAF Champions league title scoring four goals each. They were part of a Monterrey side that was dominating in the group stage winning five of six games.

It must also be remembered that both players have special ties to Rayados. With de Nigris being the hometown boy (born in Nuevo Leon, Monterrey) and Suazo having struggled with Real Zaragoza came back to the club where he had success. It would mean both the players wish to see their club succeed.

Also de Nigris is only 27 and has plenty of time left to lead his team. Suazo is 30 and with the magnificent football from the past let’s hope there’s enough in the tank to take Rayados for one more title run.

With things on the offensive side of ball take care of, Monterrey needs to shore up its defense and be ready for the fall. This could be done by possibly adding the likes of Rafael Marquez from the New York Red Bulls. Who could also add experience, to fill the void left by the retiring Jesus Arellano. Marquez would join fellow Mexico teammate Ricardo Osorio and lead a youthful backline.

With the Copa America about to get underway Suazo will gain even more experience playing on a grand strange. That coupled with the summer time performance of de Nigris, the two should bring positive energy and more experience to a team that with some tweaks can compete for a title.