With two World Cup qualifiers scheduled for early September, call-ups for the Mexican national team are set to be released later on this week. Although some players like Javier Hernandez or Hector Moreno are likely to have a spot guaranteed, countless others are still fighting for recognition.
Keeping that in mind, here are the latest best and worst performances from some of the more noteworthy Mexican names both at home and abroad.
Warming Up
Javier Hernandez, FW, West Ham (England)
Why he's here: Despite the fact that West Ham have kicked the season off with two losses in a row, Hernandez has so far had a promising start in his return to the Premier League. After looking like West Ham's best in the defeat to Manchester United, the Mexican striker followed up his performance with two goals during Saturday's 3-2 loss to Southampton.
What this means: Hernandez has had no trouble transitioning back to England. Even after a troubling start for West Ham, the team still has a fighting chance of a successful season with the 29-year-old leading the attack.
Victor Guzman, MF, Pachuca (Mexico)
Why he's here: Often lost in the shadows of other young Mexican options, Guzman has quietly thrived in Liga MX during the past several months with Pachuca. Last Friday, the central midfielder finally stole some much-deserved attention after scoring twice in the 2-1 away win over Morelia.
What this means: The good news for the 22-year-old is that he is inching closer to a call-up for Mexico. If El Tri manager Juan Carlos Osorio is looking for some fresh talent, he should look no further than the Pachuca youngster. The bad news? Now that Keisuke Honda appears to be fit, Guzman's starting role with Pachuca might soon be lost.
Omar Govea, MF, Royal Excel Mouscron (Belgium)
Why he's here: It isn't Guillermo Ochoa that is emerging as the big Mexican star in Belgium, it's Govea. In his last three matches with Mouscron, the central midfielder has collected two goals and one assist in the Jupiler Pro League.
What this means: Granted, the competition isn't the most fierce in Europe, but his recent momentum might still be enough to grab Osorio's attention. Considering the fact that the manager has stressed the importance of players taking a chance abroad, it wouldn't be surprising if Osorio rewarded him with a call-up soon.
Cooling Down
Orbelin Pineda, MF, Chivas (Mexico)
Why he's here: What has happened to Pineda? Following his disappointing finish in the Gold Cup for El Tri, the midfielder has had little impact on the pitch for Chivas in the Apertura. During the recent 1-0 loss to Puebla last Saturday, the 21-year-old looked lost throughout the match for the Guadalajara club.
What this means: Perhaps a break is needed. After a busy summer and the lack of a true preseason, a couple of games on the bench might benefit the player. Either way, his bad run during the past two months won't do much to help justify a place in this week's call-up for the national team.
Diego Reyes, DF, Porto (Portugal)
Why he's here: We are now three rounds of matches into the Portuguese season and Reyes has yet to make an appearance. Without conceding a single goal through the first three weeks, it is highly unlikely that Porto management will seek to replace one of the starters with Reyes in the near future.
What this means: Although a place on El Tri's roster still seems to be guaranteed, the defender must push for a move away from Porto before the transfer deadline ends. Ahead of next summer's World Cup, it's imperative for the national team that Reyes earns regular minutes for a club.
Jurgen Damm, MF, Tigres (Mexico)
Why he's here: It's not easy to hold onto a key role with a Tigres squad that is the most talented in Mexico. After kicking off the season as a starter, Damm has gradually been pushed onto the bench for the Liga MX side. In Saturday's 2-0 win over Pumas, the winger didn't step onto the field until the 78th minute of the match.
What this means: Similar to his situation with Tigres, there is too much competition in attacking roles with Mexico. With names like Carlos Vela, Hirving Lozano and Jesus "Tecatito" Corona available, Damm doesn't seem ready yet to be a starter. Looking at the next call-up, it wouldn't be much of a shock if the 24-year-old is left off the roster entirely.