Rayados’ Fernando Ortiz Embraces Usage of Youth Academy Players

This 2023 Apertura season has been a challenging one for CF Monterrey. Rayados manager Fernando Ortiz has seen his squad battle injuries at every corner. As a result, the Argentine manager has needed to use several youth players.

In Monterrey’s 2-0 win over Club Pachuca, Ortiz debuted forward Joaquín Alejandro Moxica. The 17-year-old became the seventh Rayados youth player to debut on the first team so far this season, a club record.

The most notable players who have made their debut have been Víctor “Chespi” López, who has participated in seven games and has two goals on his record, followed by César Garza, with five participations, and Ángel Jordán with four. César Bustos has also participated in two games, and Ricardo Rentería and Isidro Suárez have been present in one game.

Additionally, the Rayados manager seems content with relying on young players if they execute his tactical plan.

“I believe that the name does not matter,” Ortiz told reporters postgame (h/t ABC Deportes). “If a young person does what I intend, he will be there. Sometimes the needs are in everyday life, and if a young person does it better, the young person will be there.”

Rayados have two games on their hands before thinking about the Liguilla. Ortiz and Co. will be judged on how they perform as the squad looks to get to the final after falling short last tournament, losing in the semifinals to Tigres UNAL.