Football player profile – Javier Hernández Balcázar "Chicharito"
Hernandez is a third generation footballer, and is perhaps one of the most exciting hidden talents the world has seen. Following the impressive performances for his team in the world cup finals, at a tender age of 22, Hernandez has shown extreme talent with his quick feet and lethal goal scoring ability. His ability has been watched closely by English heavyweights Manchester United, who were quick to sign the Mexican for a reported 7 million pounds. He made history as he was the first Mexican player to join the Red Devils, making his country and family proud.
Hernandez joined C.D. Guadalajara at the age of just nine. He then started playing for Chiva’s lower division, before making a senior team debut in 2006. In his first game, he came on as a substitute, when Chiva’s were winning 3-0 and he added one more four minutes later. It was his only goal for 7 more substitute appearances. Hernández made ten appearances in the 2008 Apertura but was unable to score. He, however came back stronger, as he scored four goals in fifteen appearances in the 2009 Clausura. Hernández kept on improving, and was tied at the third spot of top scorers with 11 goals in just 17 appearances in the 2009 Apertura. He currently leads the goal scoring charts of 2010 Torneo Bicentenario, with ten goals in just eleven appearances.
His goal scoring and technical ability, fuelled by his pace and intelligent runs, are the perfect ingredients for making a lethal striker. Football perhaps runs in his blood as his father, Javier Hernández Gutiérrez, was a part of the Mexican National team in 1986 FIFA World Cup, and played for Tecos. His grandfather, Tomás Balcázar, was also a renowned footballer, and played in 1954 FIFA World Cup for his country. Having such a heritage, as well as a natural gift of talent, Hernandez would now look to polish this talent at one of Europe’s biggest Clubs, Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson was greatly impressed by his talent, and was quick to grab the player’s signature. According to his own words, it was perhaps the greatest moment of his life, as he had only dreamt to play along with his “playstation heroes”. He had only seen his Old Trafford future teammates on the TV screen, whether in the Premier League matches, or on Playstation Console.
He agreed to sign after seeing United play against Bayern Munich in a UEFA Champions League match. Subsequently, on 8th April 2010, he signed with Manchester United, making him the first Mexican-ever to play for the English club. As a part of the deal, he will play his last match for Chivas, when they move to a new stadium, against his new employers, Manchester United. It is rumoured that he will play the first half with Chivas and the second half in United’s colours.
For his national team, he has not failed to impress. With just 16, mostly substitute, appearances for his national side, he has scored 9 goals. The goals have been against tough sides as well, with him scoring against France as well as Argentina, in the World Cup finals. He also scored against the Dutch in a warm-up game. He is, therefore all set to partner Wayne Rooney in one of the biggest leagues of the World. Manchester United has a heritage of signing young players and making them one of the biggest names in football. David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Eric Cantona are just a few of those who have made names for themselves in Manchester United.
Hernandez is, unarguably, a superstar in making. He has already made a name for himself in the World Cup, by taking numerous shots, timely runs and has also scored important goals for his nation. Mexico crashed out of the World Cup following defeat against Argentina, but perhaps Hernandez’s goal was the highlight of the Mexican side. He disrupted the Argentinean defence, and had a lot of shots on goal, only to be denied by the keeper. His goal was amazing, as his turn inside the box deceived two defenders. He found the top corner of the net, in a small space between the keeper and the pole.
In all, Hernandez has all the makings of being a great footballer. Athletic, strong and fast, he would have no trouble in adjusting to the English style of play. He is a promising young talent, and has the potential to one day reach the greatness of football’s finest.
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