What will new Manchester United signee offer the Red Devils next year? (El Diario)
The buzz in the Mexican media is evident and if one were to read all the headlines coming out of the Aztec media there is a sense of pride in the transfer of Javier Hernández to Manchester United.
For many, he might not have needed the Mexican media machine or his position at Chivas to really make a leap of this level. He is sincerely that good and his potential became reality very quickly in his first two years fresh out of the Sacred Flock's youth system.
There was a certain buzz all throughout the Manchester United camp as they signed a player that will have the possibility of replacing Dimitar Berbatov.
He is doing what only two other players have done in the history of Aztec ball- play for one of the biggest clubs in the world. This is an honor held only by Hugo Sánchez (Real Madrid) and Rafael Márquez (Barcelona). We all know what paths they have etched in world football. Many expect him to do great things in England; a place that has seen players like Jared Borgetti fail miserably with much lesser clubs.
His talent was overshadowed by injury as well as the emergence of Carlos Vela and Giovani Dos Santos in the 2005 U-17 World Cup. Hernández was present two years later at the U-20 held in Canada. For the Aztecs he was a welcome addition to the nucleus of the U-17 side that won it all in Peru. That was the first "Chicharito"sighting.
For many, Hernández will be more like Márquez and Sánchez than Borgetti or Cuahtémoc Blanco (Valladolid). He is one of the few Mexican players to have, literally, all of the tools to be successful on the pitch.
So what type of player exactly did Alex Ferguson sign and what are these tools I am talking about?
First of all, "Chicharito" Hernández is explosive off the dribble. He can blow by defenders from all angles and come at you from different positions if need be. Coming from the right, Hernández will give that support to Wayne Rooney and open even more space for the Premiership's leading scorer- that's a scary thought.
He has the potential to give the Manchester attack a semblance on offense of a consistent threat since Berbatov has failed to do so.
He creates space with his dribble. "Chicharito"can changed directions at the drop of a dime. He can turn a tiny crease in the defense into a gaping hole with just one cutback. He will be a huge beneficiary of the tough marking that Wayne Rooney endures to make a name for himself, and then feed Rooney after defenses adjust to him.
He is one of those players that plays for his team and that is something that can pay dividends.
"(Chicharito) has great human qualities and is a very good footballer as well."- Chivas coach José Luis Real
Physically, although he seems fragile, he has a low center of gravity which allows his to remain on his feet. This will neutralize the Premiership defenders that will try to out-body him. He has enough smarts
He is very effective in the air as he can attack the ball. So if there are any taller defenders underestimating "Chicharito", they could be in for a big surprise.
Most importantly, they are getting a player that has the game in his DNA. His grandfather and father have fed him the game since he was in the womb and that does say a great deal. He will adapt well as his close circle has helped him remain focused in his young career.
This influence reflectos on the pitch in the way he carries himself. Respectful, hard worker, but most of all... hungry for success.
Accolades have come his way since he has stolen the spotlight in Mexico:
"A potent version of Hugo Sánchez... but without the prepotence."
"A good version of Borja"
"An improved Luis García"
For some those names might mean little, but to his game it is a roadmap that could guide him to success in a league that is as competitive as the Premiership.
Some might not think that is important, but it is. Having a grandfather that played in the 1954 World Cup as well as a father that played in 1986, that is enough help to help him overcome anything that Manchester can throw his way.
If United are patient with Hernández, like that have been with other talented youngsters that have stepped foot onto the Theatre of Dreams, they could witness a player that will accustom fans to be shocked. Of course, there will be a period of adaptation that he will have to endure, but if you know anything about this kid is that he is as mentally strong as they get.
For those of you who might doubt him taking the pressure of the expectations, well one thing is for sure... he handled the Mexican media quite well. Let's be honest the press there pick fights and try to chum the waters as good as any English reporter out there.
Still he was able to succeed and even excel in his humble and respectful ways. The media have actually become his best ally based on his merits on the pitch.
For Manchester fans this could be a refreshing site as he brings a sense of humility to the game. And that could be the first step in enamoring a group of fickle fans.