Carlos Vela will start against the Netherlands on Wednesday in Amsterdam on his return to Mexico’s national team, coach Miguel Herrera confirmed on Tuesday.
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The Real Sociedad forward will feature for the first time for El Tri since March 30, 2011 and will be alongside Real Madrid’s Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez in Mexico’s attack.
Vela had refused call ups to the Mexico national team and even turned down the chance to appear at the World Cup last summer, releasing a statement saying he wasn’t “mentally 100 percent” committed and that it would be unfair to take the place of a player who had been involved in qualifying.
Herrera said in a press conference on Tuesday that Vela had adapted well to the rest of the squad and that he was welcomed warmly by the other players. He also stressed the 25-year-old is receiving no special treatment.
The former America coach disputed the idea that the game is a chance for Mexico to get revenge after its World Cup Round of 16 exit against the Netherlands in June.
“Our idea is to come, play a good game and beat them,” said Herrera.
Guillermo Ochoa starts in goal, with a center back trio of Diego Reyes, Miguel Herrera and Oswaldo Alanis in what looks like Herrera's 5-3-2 formation. In the wing back positions are Paul Aguilar and Adrian Aldrete, with Jose Juan “Gallito” Vazquez the holding midfielder. Further forward, Andres Guardado and Hector Herrera are in the more attacking midfield positions, with Vela and Hernandez upfront.