Player Profile

Michel’s performances for his club and Guillermo Ochoa’s recent dip in form have led to some experts calling for the Chivas keeper to be entrusted with the number one shirt. The rivalry between the keepers came to a head in April’s Super Clasico between Chivas and Club America, a game billed in the Mexican press as “the battle of the keepers”.

Michel pulled off a string of fine saves to keep America at bay as Guadalajara won 1-0, prompting chants of “goalkeeper, goalkeeper” around the stadium. However, Michel’s inexperience at international level is likely to see Ochoa given the nod.

The 30-year-old had to wait many years to prove his worth and was third-choice at his club until three years ago, when a series of injuries saw him given his chance.

He is now team captain at Chivas and played a key role at the start of the season as the club set a league record of eight straight wins. Michel only made his international debut in March and is noted for his excellent reflexes and his close-range shot-stopping.