On Oct. 8 and 11, the Mexican national team will take part in two international friendlies against New Zealand and Panama, respectively.
With World Cup qualifying games just around the corner in November, El Tri manager Juan Carlos Osorio might consider testing out a few fringe options in his upcoming roster for the October friendlies.
Keeping this in mind, let's take a look at some of the recent best and worst performances from some of the more noteworthy names in Mexican soccer.
Warming up
Carlos Salcedo, DF, Fiorentina (Italy)
Why he's here: During Sunday's 0-0 draw between Fiorentina and A.C. Milan, Salcedo was superb in his Serie A debut for the Viola. The former Chivas player finished the game with more passes than any other player in the Fiorentina roster.
What this means: After looking surprisingly confident in his league debut, the 22-year-old has likely turned some heads at Fiorentina. The same could be said for Osorio, who should consider calling-up the youngster who has the potential to become a key player for El Tri. If Salcedo continues to exceed expectations, it will only be a matter of time before he pushes someone like Diego Reyes out of a starting role for Mexico.
Hirving Lozano, FW, Pachuca (Mexico)
Why he's here: Lozano has been on an impressive run in Mexico. On Saturday, the winger collected his sixth goal of the season in the 2-0 win for Pachuca against Queretaro. The 21-year-old now has three goals in his last three matches.
What this means: Although it's fair to already recognize Lozano as a key player for Osorio, the winger must continue to rack up goals and/or assists to stand out amongst El Tri's numerous talented wingers. Despite his form, Osorio might want to give a break to the player who has amassed a significant amount of minutes for club and country in the past couple of years.
Marco Fabian, MF, Eintracht Frankfurt (Germany)
Why he's here: After months of irrelevance on Frankfurt's bench, Fabian has exploded in the past couple of weeks. During Sunday's 3-3 draw with Hertha BSC, the Mexican provided the first goal for Frankfurt in the 39th minute. In his last three matches, Fabian has garnered two goals and two assists.
What this means: It's time for Osorio to give another call-up to Fabian. Following a recent run of form that has made him look like one of the Bundesliga's most impressive players, the 27-year-old is deserving of an opportunity to shine against New Zealand or Panama.
Cooling Down
Israel Jimenez, DF, Tigres (Mexico)
Why he's here: Once a key figure for Tigres, Jimenez has recently been replaced by Jesus Duenas as the club's starting right-back. On Saturday's 0-0 draw with Cruz Azul, the defender remained on the bench without minutes for the third time in Las Auriazules' last four league games.
What this means: Although there are a few names who stand-out as potential backups for Paul Aguilar in the national team, no option has yet to truly solidify a No.2 role as Mexico's right-back. As for Jimenez, it's unlikely that Osorio will be willing to give an opportunity to the 2012 Olympic gold medal winner who is currently a Tigres backup.
Hector Herrera, MF, Porto (Portugal)
Why he's here: Last Friday, Herrera made a cameo appearance in the 74th minute of Porto's 3-1 victory over Boavista. The midfielder has looked tired lately and was left on the bench in the previous 0-0 draw against Tondela last week.
What this means: The 26-year-old has seldom shown signs of his usual active self in the past few weeks. With plenty of travel required for the upcoming matches against Panama and New Zealand, it would be smart for Osorio to consider leaving him out of the friendlies.
Jose Juan Vazquez, MF, Chivas (Mexico)
Why he's here: During several moments in 2014 and 2015, Vazquez was arguably the most talented Mexican in Liga MX. Now, the 28-year-old is lucky to gain minutes. On Friday, the midfielder was left on the bench for Chivas in the 1-0 win against Veracruz. Vazquez has yet to garner a single minute for Los Rojiblancos in their league games this month.
What this means: Due to Andres Guardado and Jonathan dos Santos both doing very well in Europe, Osorio will have no need to bring in the defensive midfielder at any point soon. Before the midfielder dreams of donning El Tri's jersey again, he will first need to solidify a starting role with Chivas.