César Montes
CB
Controlled Centre Back
Feb 24, 1997 (29)
Right
6'5"
196 lb
Subs off after 45 minutes in loss
Montes generated two clearances and one interception in Sunday's 3-2 defeat to England.
Analysis: Montes was dealing with some adductor pain before kickoff and managed to help his team for only the first half of their final World Cup contest. Despite the quiet end, the center-back had a solid performance throughout his previous three appearances, with his averages of 39.8 accurate passes and 7.2 clearances per game ranking third and first, respectively, among Mexico players.
Makes 10 clearances in win
Montes generated one shot (one on goal), 10 clearances and one cross (zero accurate) in Tuesday's 2-0 victory over Ecuador.
Analysis: Montes excelled at breaking opponents' attacks, logging a double-digit clearance total for the second straight game. Outside of the second group match that he missed through suspension, the center-back has recorded all possible minutes on the field, and he captained Mexico in two of his three appearances. He should be reliable for his aerial strength while he looks to help the national team increase a run of four clean sheets.
Starts after suspension
Montes generated one tackle (one won) and 12 clearances in Wednesday's 3-0 win against Czech Republic.
Analysis: Montes was back in the starting XI for Mexico after his suspension, with the defender playing the full 90. He would earn a tackle won and a team-leading 12 tackles to go along with a clean sheet. With his suspension behind him, a starting role should remain for the defender.
No longer suspended
Montes is no longer suspended and is an option for the group stage finale against Czechia on June 24.
Analysis: Montes is no longer banned after his red card against South Africa in Mexico's opener, as the defender is an option to face Czechia after sitting out against South Korea. He was a starter in their opener, so this will be a big return for the team despite their clean sheet and win without him. He will look to reclaim the starting role as Mexico prepares for the knockouts following qualification.
Sees red card vs. South Africa
Montes was sent off in Thursday's WC opener against South Africa.
Analysis: In a World Cup opener that had three red cards, Montes was the latest player to get sent off following a harsh foul near the edge of the box. The Lokomotiv Moscow defender will miss the match against South Korea on June 18, but he could be available to face the Czech Republic on June 24 as long as his ban is just one game.
Features off bench
Montes (undisclosed) came off the bench for 30 minutes in Saturday's 1-0 victory against Australia, confirming his return to fitness and putting him on track to start in central defense for Mexico at the World Cup.
Analysis: Montes had missed the final two games of the Russian Premier League campaign with a minor injury, raising some concern over his availability for the tournament opener against South Africa. His appearance against Australia is a significant relief for coach Javier Aguirre, with Montes being one of Mexico's only center-backs with European experience alongside Johan Vasquez, making his fitness a matter of critical importance for the defensive setup heading into the World Cup.
Ends club season with injury
Montes missed the last two games of the Russian Premier League campaign despite being able to train as he recovers from an injury, Julio Rodriguez of Aguilas Monumental reported Sunday.
Analysis: Montes should join the Mexican national team in upcoming days as he looks to be ready to start in the World Cup opener against South Africa. His problem is currently believed to be a minor injury. However, his status could be a huge issue if he requires more time to reach full fitness, given that he's one of his country's only center-backs with European experience alongside Johan Vasquez, and the main alternatives would involve the deployment of a versatile player such as Israel Reyes or Edson Alvarez.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare