What were the keys to Carlos Salcido's successful career? | OneFootball

It is undeniable that the Cantera Rojiblanca has contributed a lot to the history of Mexican soccer, as the Guadalajara ranks have produced several players who have made a difference both at club level and with the Mexican National Team, and this April 2 is the perfect day to recognize one of the greatest exponents of Chivas and the tricolor team.

On a day like today, but in 1980, Carlos Salcido was born in the furniture town of Ocotlán, Jalisco. At the age of 13, he bet everything on soccer and moved to the Pearl of the West in search of fulfilling his dream. While he was waiting for that opportunity, he worked as a car washer, until 1999 when he joined Club Oro and a year later Club Guadalajara acquired him after detecting his talent.

Oscar Ruggeri made his debut as a defender with the Rebaño Sagrado in 2001, although during his entire formative process he had played as a pivot and that helped him to strengthen many aspects that years later would be very valuable for his evolution as a player. Three years at an extraordinary level were enough for him to amaze Ricardo Antonio Lavolpe, who called him up to the National Team for the first time and, after that great goal he scored against Argentina in the 2005 Confederations Cup, he became a generational icon of that time, in addition to playing in 3 World Cups with El Tri.

He was sold to PSV in 2006 and from then on everything changed, as his growth was exponential in all senses. Salcido left Liga MX as a great defender, difficult to beat in defensive duels and later on, he enhanced other virtues that turned him into a midfielder, thanks to his interpretation of the game, refined ball striking technique and his imposing physical strength.

Carlos Salcido was the perfect example of a multifunctional player, as he was able to fulfill any role assigned to him on the field. In addition to PSV, he also played for Fulham in the Old Continent, where he played mainly as a winger on both flanks and as a central defender. Salcido was not only useful as part of a defensive structure, but he was also someone who managed to get the ball out of the box with his passing and driving.

With the Mexican National Team, but especially in his return to Mexican soccer, was when 'SaSa' returned to prominence as a midfielder. All the experience he gained from winning 3 titles in the Netherlands, playing more than 20 Champions League matches and also being part of the Premier League, he showed it with full hands, because in his return to Liga MX with Tigres and then with the team of his love, Chivas, he always distinguished himself as someone capable of properly directing attacks thanks to his good judgment with controlled ball.

In his last stage with the Rebaño Sagrado, he had the responsibility of positioning himself as a midfielder and that was how he achieved the longed-for desire of being Champion as a Rojiblanco, since in that Clausura 2017 final against Tigres, he shared a double pivot with 'Gallo' Vázquez and there is no doubt that he was one of the main managers of that title, since with leadership he was able to guide the Tapatía team to the 12th star.

In general terms, Carlos Salcido is an example because he always fought for his dreams and when he achieved them, he never stopped preparing himself. As a soccer player, he was always in constant evolution and that led him to have a successful career in Mexico and Europe, in addition to being a much loved player by the fans of all the clubs in which he played and, above all, to be considered by the Rojiblanca Nation as one of the great legends of our institution.