While some of the best teams in the competition have been eliminated, it is clear that many Liga MX stars have also left. In fact, none of the top three players in Apertura 2024 made it to the semifinals.
According to Artificial intelligence of application ComparatorTwo of the best forwards in Mexican football were eliminated, as well as the best midfielder and three of the best goalkeepers in the tournament. Some may blame this surprising Ligue 1, where three of the four favorites were eliminated, but the truth is that many of the best players didn’t even make it to the quarterfinals.
Who are the three best players of Apertura 2024?
1. César Huerta (Pumas winger), 275 IA points
2. Nelson Diosa (Pachuca midfielder), 272 IA points
3. Paulinho (Toluca forward), 264 IA points
Yes, ‘Chino’ and goalscoring champion Paulinho did not progress to the quarter-finals, despite their teams being favourites, with the Colombian from Pachuca not even making it to the play-ins.
And the best players at every level of the playing field?
Best Forwards and Wingers:
1. Cesar Huerta, 275
2. Paulinho, 264
3. Brian Rodriguez, 247 (in tournament)
Best Attacking and Defensive Midfielders:
1. Nelson Diosa, 272
2. Augustine Palavecino, 250
3. Sergio Canales, 247 (in tournament)
Best security and pages:
1. Rodolfo Rodondi, 264 (in competition)
2. Stephen Medina, 212 (in tournament)
3. Joachim, 211
Best Goalkeepers:
1. Raul Rangel, 253
2. Thiago Volpi, 248
3. Alfonso Blanco, 241
If we count the top three at each position in the field, only four are still in contention, meaning only third place. With two of the best full-backs in Mexican football in contention, perhaps the only position where justice was served was at the back.
Soccer is a team sport and the Liguilla is a competition that seems more independent, which is why many of the stars of the regular season no longer appear in contention for the title.