Roberto Alvarado

Roberto Carlos Alvarado Hernández (born 7 September 1998) is a Mexican professional footballer who plays as a winger for Liga MX club Cruz Azul and the Mexico national team.[2] He is the youngest player to ever play in Ascenso MX.[3]

This article uses Spanish naming customs: the first or paternal family name is Alvarado and the second or maternal family name is Hernández.
Roberto Alvarado
Personal information
Full name Roberto Carlos Alvarado Hernández[1]
Date of birth (1998-09-07) 7 September 1998[1]
Place of birth Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico[1]
Height 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in)[1]
Playing position(s) Midfielder
Club information
Current team
 Cruz Azul
Number 25
Youth career
2013–2016 Celaya
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2013–2017 Celaya 50 (8)
2017 Pachuca 9 (1)
2017–2018 Necaxa 26 (2)
2018– Cruz Azul 70 (8)
National team‡
2018 Mexico U21 5 (3)
2018– Mexico 18 (3)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 15 February 2020
‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 27 November 2019

He started his career with second division Celaya in 2013 until 2017, when he began to play in the top-flight Liga MX where he briefly participated with clubs Pachuca and Necaxa, winning the 2016–17 CONCACAF Champions League and Clausura 2018 Copa MX, respectively.

He participated with the Mexico U-21 side that received second place at the 2018 Toulon Tournament. Following his international and club performances, he would earn his first senior international appearance with Mexico on 7 September 2018 in a friendly match against Uruguay.

Club career

Celaya

Alvarado made his professional debut on 25 September 2013 in the Apertura 2013 Copa MX group stage match against Estudiantes Tecos, coming on as a substitute for Guillermo Clemens on the 59th minute in a 1–0 win.[4] Three days later, he made his league debut, also against Estudiantes Tecos, in a 0–0 draw, coming on as a substitute for René García on the 86th minute. He was 15 years, 21 days of age.[5]

Alvarado scored his first professional goal in the 27th minute of a 1–0 win in a Clausura 2014 Copa MX group stage match against Atlas on 18 February 2014.[6] He had unsuccessful trials with English clubs Manchester United and Sunderland in November 2014,[7] and Leicester City in January 2015.[5] It was not until the Apertura 2016 season that Alvarado truly broke out, scoring six goals in 14 games, and catching the attention of Mexican top-flight teams.[8]

Pachuca

Pachuca purchased Alvarado from Celaya for the Clausura 2017 season.[9] He would go on to score his first goal with the team on 3 March 2017 while trailing from behind 1–0 in a 3–2 victory over Tijuana.[10] Although he only played 9 league games in his lone season with Pachuca, he did make two appearances during their CONCACAF Champions League winning campaign in 2016–17.

Necaxa

Necaxa acquired Alvarado in a deal that involved trading away Edson Puch to Pachuca for the Apertura 2017.[11] On 26 August 2017, he would score his first goal with Necaxa, granting the team a 2–1 win over Atlas.[12] On 14 April 2018, he would score the only goal in Necaxa's 1–0 victory over Lobos BUAP.[13] He became a starter during the Clausura 2018 season.[14] In April, he would attain the Clausura 2018 Copa MX against Toluca.[15]

Cruz Azul

On 21 May 2018, Alvarado joined Cruz Azul.[16] On 21 July, he debuted in a 3–0 victory against Puebla, playing 84 minutes, eventually being substituted out for Misael Domínguez.[17] On 4 August, Alvarado scored his first goal for Cruz Azul in a 1–0 victory against Tigres UANL.[18] Two weeks later, on 18 August, Alvarado notched three assists in a 3–0 victory against León, causing ESPN to run a story calling Alvarado "a leading light for Cruz Azul" despite his young age.[8] By now he had become a sensation, with the Spanish publication Marca calling the teenager a "Heaven-sent jewel" later that week.[19] Midway through the tournament, Alvarado was considered by the press to be one of the best midfielders in the league.[20] In November, he would help Cruz Azul attain the Apertura 2018 Copa MX against Monterrey, his second in a row.[21]

International career

Mexico U-21

Alvarado was part of the roster that participated at the 2018 Toulon Tournament,[22] where he was the second highest scorer in the tournament with 3 goals, scoring once in the group stage matches against Qatar[23] and China[24] and in the final against England where Mexico lost 2–1.[25] He was called up yet again ahead of the 2018 Central American and Caribbean Games, but Cruz Azul refused to release him for the tournament.[14]

Mexico national team

On 29 August 2018, Alvarado received his first call-up to the senior national team for the friendly matches against Uruguay and the United States.[26] He made his debut on 7 September, coming on as a second-half substitute for Alan Pulido in their 4–1 loss to Uruguay in Houston.[27]

In May 2019, Alvarado was included in Tata Martino's preliminary roster for the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup.[28] The following month, on 5 June 2019, Alvarado scored his first international goal in a 3–1 friendly victory against Venezuela.[29] The following day, he was included in the final list for Gold Cup tournament.[30] He would go on to appear in all matches of the tournament, helping Mexico win the final against rivals the United States.[31]

Career statistics

Club
As of match played 31 January 2020[32]
Club Season League Cup Continental Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Celaya 2013–14 Ascenso MX 5041—91
2014–15 3020—50
2015–16 24150—291
2016–17 18711—198
Total 508122006210
Pachuca 2016–17 Liga MX 910020111
Necaxa 2017–18 262110—372
Cruz Azul 2018–19 42412230576
2019–20 21200—212
Total 63612230788
Career total 148133142018817

International
As of 19 November 2019[33]
Mexico national team
YearAppsGoals
201850
2019133
Total183

International goals
Scores and results list Mexico's goal tally first.[34]
GoalDateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
1.5 June 2019Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, United States Venezuela1–13–1Friendly
2.19 June 2019Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver, United States Canada1–03–12019 CONCACAF Gold Cup
3.15 October 2019Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico Panama1–03–12019–20 CONCACAF Nations League A

Style of play

A gifted playmaker whose versatility is his strongest suit, Alvarado is predominantly a central attacking midfielder, capable of playing on either flank as well as a second striker.[35] Technically proficient with both feet, playing on the right allowed the opportunity to cut or drift inside onto his favoured left. He has shown an ability to finish from in and around the box, but comparing his shots on target to shots off target suggests that shooting isn't his strongest attribute. Instead, he focuses on creating opportunities. During his time with Necaxa, Alvarado was beating defenders on their left and right sides with a variety of methods. The change of pace is Alvarado's favoured technique, and he excels when there's space behind an opponent to race into, but he can also deceive defenders with close control and, at times, thrilling skill.[36] He is excellent at pulling away from defenders to make himself available for a pass and has a remarkable ability to accurately place floated crosses and through balls.[37] Alvarado plays for his teammates, presses effectively when not in possession and seems to be a balanced character off the field.[8]

He has often been compared to fellow national teammate Diego Lainez, although Alvarado has insisted they both have differing playing styles.[38] Cruz Azul manager Pedro Caixinha has compared Alvarado to João Moutinho.[39]

Personal life

Alvarado is named after Brazilian singer Roberto Carlos.[40] Alvarado is nicknamed El Piojo (The Louse) because of his idol, retired footballer Claudio "El Piojo" López.[19]

Honours

Club
Pachuca
Necaxa
Cruz Azul

International
Mexico
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References
  1. "Roberto Carlos Alvarado Hernández". Liga MX. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
  2. Soccerway profile
  3. Sierra, Ricardo (February 19, 2014). "Conoce algo de Roberto Alvarado el jugador más joven en Ascenso MX y que le anotó al Atlas" (in Spanish). Asi Sucede Guanajuato. Retrieved September 13, 2015.
  4. "Celaya vs. Estudiantes Tecos 1 - 0". Soccerway. September 25, 2013. Retrieved September 13, 2015.
  5. Nieva, David (January 8, 2015). "Roberto Alvarado, mexicano que entrena con equipo de la Premier League" (in Spanish). Gurús Deportivos. Retrieved September 13, 2015.
  6. Morado, Cristian (February 20, 2014). "Estreno inmejorable" (in Spanish). Periódico AM. Retrieved September 13, 2015.
  7. "Roberto Alvarado invitado por el Manchester United y Sunderland" (in Spanish). Once Titular. November 9, 2014. Retrieved September 13, 2015.
  8. Marshall, Tom (20 August 2018). "Roberto Alvarado is still only 19 but is a leading light for Cruz Azul". ESPN. Retrieved 8 September 2018.
  9. "Dos toros refuerzan a Tuzos". Televisa Deportes (in Spanish). Retrieved 22 August 2018.
  10. "Tijuana 2 3 Pachuca". ESPN. Retrieved 6 September 2018.
  11. Rodríguez Avilés, Alan. "Roberto Alvarado, quinto refuerzo de Necaxa". Vavel (in Spanish). Retrieved 22 August 2018.
  12. "Necaxa 2 1 Atlas". ESPN. Retrieved 6 September 2018.
  13. González, Edgar (14 April 2018). "El Necaxa da un empujón a Lobos rumbo al descenso". Marca. Retrieved 19 October 2018.
  14. "¿Quién es Roberto Alvarado, el juvenil que quiere ser referente en Cruz Azul?" (in Spanish). Goal.com. 19 August 2018. Retrieved 8 September 2018.
  15. "Los Rayos del Necaxa derrotan al Toluca y se adjudican el título de la Copa MX". Marca (in Spanish). 11 April 2018. Retrieved 15 November 2018.
  16. Arnold, Jon (21 May 2018). "Cruz Azul announces Aguilar signing as additions continue". Goal.com. Retrieved 22 August 2018.
  17. "Cruz Azul 3 Puebla 0 - 2018 Liga BBVA Bancomer, Torneo Apertura 2018". ESPN Deportes. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
  18. Cardoso, Javier. "Roberto Alvarado: "Me acuerdo de cuando era niño y eso me ayuda a no achicarme"". Marca (in Spanish). Retrieved 21 August 2018.
  19. Cardoso, Javier (22 August 2018). "Roberto Alvarado, la joya celeste que hace soñar a Cruz Azul". Marca (in Spanish). Retrieved 8 September 2018.
  20. Hernandez, Cesar (4 September 2018). "Roberto Alvarado, Cruz Azul stars among Liga MX's best midseason players". ESPN. Retrieved 8 September 2018.
  21. Berrios, Edgar (8 November 2018). "Roberto Alvarado, motor de Cruz Azul". Excélsior (in Spanish). Retrieved 14 November 2018.
  22. "Mexico sends strong squad to Toulon Tournament". FMF State of Mind. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
  23. Dudko, James. "Mexico Roll Past Qatar 4-1 in 2018 Toulon Tournament". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
  24. Dudko, James. "Mexico Cruise Past China in 2018 Toulon Tournament Group Stage". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
  25. Simpson, Christopher. "England Beat Mexico to Win 2018 Toulon Tournament Final, 3rd Straight Title". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
  26. "Convocatoria de la Selección Nacional de México". miseleccion.mx (in Spanish). Mexican Football Federation. 29 August 2018. Retrieved 7 September 2018.
  27. "Mexico vs. Uruguay 1–4". Soccerway. 7 September 2018. Retrieved 8 September 2018.
  28. Martínez Villar, Enrique (14 May 2019). "Marco Fabián vuelve y no está Tecatito; anuncian lista previa de México para Copa Oro". Mediotiempo.com.
  29. "Roberto Alvarado anota por primera vez con la Mayor en el estadio más caro del mundo". Mediotiempo.com. 5 June 2019.
  30. "Selección Mexicana anuncia lista definitiva para Copa Oro 2019". MedioTiempo.com. 6 June 2019.
  31. Straus, Brian (7 July 2019). "Mexico Turns Tide, Wins Gold Cup Title Again vs. Wasteful USMNT". Sports Illustrated.
  32. Roberto Alvarado at Soccerway
  33. "Roberto Alvarado". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmerman. Retrieved 12 September 2018.
  34. "R. Alvarado". Soccerway. Retrieved June 5, 2019.
  35. Sengupta, Rohan. "Who's this 20-year-old gem on Man United's radar? The next big American talent on the rise?". Soccersouls.com. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  36. Harrison, Tom (9 August 2018). "Roberto Alvarado: Future El Tri Starter?". SoccerNurds. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  37. Harrison, Thomas (16 August 2018). "Talent Radar: Liga MX's 10 Young Players to Watch in 2018-19". Outsideoftheboot.com. Retrieved 26 September 2018.
  38. "Siempre me comparan con Lainez, pero somos distintos: Roberto Alvarado". Medio Tiempo. 9 September 2018. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  39. ""Roberto Alvarado será un referente del futbol mexicano": Caixinha". SDP Noticias. 14 September 2018. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  40. Arenas, Alain (21 August 2018). "Roberto Alvarado, talento a prueba de adversidades". El Economista. Retrieved 26 September 2018.
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