It's now or never for countless Mexican players. With less than a year to go until the 2018 World Cup, manager Juan Carlos Osorio will soon need to solidify his best options for the national team.
Keeping in mind that the call-up list for the October qualifiers will be released later on this month, here are the recent best and worst performances from Mexican footballers at home and abroad.
Warming Up
Oribe Peralta, FW, Club America (Mexico)
Why he's here: At 33 years of age, Peralta continues to be an influential player in a top Liga MX club. During Saturday's 2-0 win over Veracruz, the striker worked well in Las Aguilas' attack and provided an assist for the first goal. Peralta now has three goals and one assist in his last five matches.
What this means: Whether El Tri fans like it or not, the aging veteran is still one of the best backup strikers for the national team. If Peralta is healthy, he's worthy of earning a spot in the next squad.
Omar Govea, MF, Royal Excel Mouscron (Belgium)
Why he's here: Govea is quickly making a name for himself in Belgium. On Saturday, the central midfielder helped Mouscron clinch an impressive 2-1 victory against league giants Club Brugge. Following the game, the 21-year-old was selected as one of the "Best XI" from the Jupiler Pro League weekend.
What this means: The big question now is if Osorio is paying attention. Thanks to Govea's brilliant start to the season, which also includes two goals, it wouldn't be too shocking if the young Mexican is given a call-up soon.
Diego de Buen, MF, Santos Laguna (Mexico)
Why he's here: In spite of Santos' dull start to the 2017 Apertura, De Buen has been able to consistently shine in his defensive midfield role. During Sunday's 0-0 draw with Toluca, the 26-year-old proved to be crucial with his clearances, tackles and distribution.
What this means: De Buen isn't the most exciting national team consideration, but if Osorio is looking to give an opportunity to a new defensive midfielder, the Santos player is an ideal candidate. As seen in previous Santos games, De Buen is also capable of providing shots from distance that could help El Tri.
Cooling Down
Angel Sepulveda, FW, Morelia (Mexico)
Why he's here: After a disappointing run in the Gold Cup, Sepulveda has done little to support his tenuous relevance with the national team. Since mid-August, the striker/winger has become a backup player for Morelia. During Saturday's 3-1 win over Lobos BUAP, Sepulveda made a cameo appearance in the 69th minute.
What this means: An unexciting Gold Cup tournament and start to the Apertura likely means no upcoming call-up for Sepulveda. Looking at other fringe options, Osorio has numerous other players who are currently above the 26-year-old.
Raul Jimenez, FW, Benfica (Portugal)
Why he's here: Ahead of the World Cup, it's worrisome to see a key player like Jimenez regularly on the bench. Whether it be in league play or European competitions, the striker has yet to earn a single start for Benfica. In Tuesday's 2-1 Champions League loss against CSKA Moscow, Jimenez made a late appearance in the 70th minute.
What this means: Luckily for Jimenez, regardless of his performances abroad, the player will continue to be a vital figure for Osorio. Unless he wants to stay in Europe to fight for a starting role with Benfica over the international break, fans should expect to see Jimenez in the next call-up.
Diego Reyes, DF, Porto (Portugal)
Why he's here: Reyes has yet to garner a single minute of play for Porto this season. Saturday's 3-0 victory against Chaves marked the fifth match in a row that the 24-year-old was an unused substitute.
What this means: Like Jimenez, Reyes is a significant of a player for Osorio. Although a lack of minutes in Portugal doesn't bode well for his starting role with Mexico, it would be a slight shock to see Reyes left out of the roster for next summer's World Cup.