Giovani dos Santos will seek to build on his strong performance against New Zealand when Mexico faces off against Panama on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. PT.
The LA Galaxy star scored a goal and donned the captain’s armband for the Mexican national team’s 2-1 victory over New Zealand last weekend in Nashville. Throughout the match, Dos Santos impressed on both sides of the ball, appearing energetic in the attack while also contributing on defense.
Following the win, Mexico boss Juan Carlos Osorio praised Dos Santos’ performance in his first game with El Tri since 2015.
"Giovani is taking the step to become a different player, and because of the responsibility he showed in the week, he earned the right to be captain today," Osorio told reporters.
"He can lead the group. It was very positive for the well-being of the group, and hopefully, he consolidates himself as that great professional that we all want to see and be the example to follow for many Mexicans."
For Dos Santos, a good showing against New Zealand and, hopefully, against Panama is of vital importance as he looks to return to the Mexico fold.
"I'm a much more mature player, I've grown," Dos Santos said after the game. "The responsibility of putting on the captain's armband gave me a lot of pride…I had to respond [to criticism about the move to Los Angeles] on the field and earn the respect in the league, and I have been important not just in my team, but also the league."
Mexico’s match with Panama at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Illinois will be the team’s final tune-up before their World Cup qualifier clash with the United States on Nov. 11 at MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus.
“We will have a very good team and every chance of going to Columbus and getting a result,” Osorio said in the lead up to the Panama match.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog atLAGalaxy.com/Insiderand contact him atLAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
