Adolfo Ríos throws 'shade' at Javier Aguirre for not calling up Ochoa to the National Team

 This Monday, Javier Aguirre revealed his roster for the match against Canada in the Concacaf Nations League Final Four. However, the absence of Henry Martín and Guillermo Ochoa stands out, leading many to believe they are drifting away from the next World Cup.

If there's someone who has defended Ochoa from his critics over the years, it's his old teammate, Adolfo Ríos. He has repeatedly stated that the AVS SAD goalkeeper still has what it takes to compete for the starting position in the Mexican National Team. In an interview with David Faitelson, the so-called 'Goalkeeper of Christ' mentioned that he doesn't see 'Memo' as just a 'support' for his teammates in the World Cup.

“No, I wouldn't take him as a situation that determines, uh, being a support for those who play. He has to go to compete. I wouldn't see him as a goalkeeper coach, even if he appeared on the bench, because he's an organized guy.”

For Ríos, Ochoa still has the skills to compete for a spot on the list, but he also acknowledges that in recent months, the Club América youth product has made some mistakes in Portugal. However, if he regains the level he has always shown, Ríos sees him returning to the National Team.

“I would take him to a World Cup if he's in a position to compete. Today, I think he's in a position to compete if he maintains that level of play he still has in Europe. It's true he's had some complications with some goals, but what goalkeeper hasn't? In that sense, I do believe that if the level is there to compete, he certainly has a chance to make it to the World Cup.”

Moreover, after so many statements, Adolfo Ríos acknowledged Club América's goalkeeper, Luis Malagón, calling him the best Mexican goalkeeper at present. He mentioned that since his arrival at the 'Nido,' he has managed to keep his feet on the ground and has shown humility.

“Today, without a doubt, he has the opportunity to talk with him on the occasions I've met him at a stadium. The situation he's currently experiencing, it's challenging to keep your feet on the ground, and he does, and he's well-centered.”