Motivated Meza drives Monterrey

Over the course of the FIFA Club World Cup 2021, our Technical Study Group (TSG) are tasked with selecting the Man of the Match for every game. Here we take a closer look at their performances.

Fifth place in the tournament was secured by Monterrey after they defeated Al Jazira 3-1 at the Al Nahyan Stadium.

The CONCACAF Champions League winners started the game with intensity, capitalising on a fourth minute own goal, to take an early lead.

Seven minutes later Monterrey doubled their lead when Rogelio Funes Mori finished from close range from a Meza cross. On 25 minutes it was 3-0 after Cesar Montes headed home from a free-kick.

Forward Maximiliano Meza was selected by our TSG as Man of the Match with an influential performance, bringing energy and creativity to the game.

During the match he made 65 offers to receive the ball, ranking sixth overall, and with 26 more offers than the average of all players in the game. He received the ball 58 times, 34 times between units 1 & 2 and 11 times between 2 & 3.

Steve McClaren observed the game and commented: "In a game where Monterrey made many changes after a hugely disappointing defeat to Al Ahly, I was impressed with the attitude of Meza."

"He displayed a great enthusiasm for the game and played 77 minutes when other players were taken off at half-time. He showed his inspirational qualities and true professionalism in an energetic display where he started on the right wing and ended up moving inside to play as the main creative player in midfield."

"His willingness to take the ball in any area and be creative showed what excellent qualities and character he brought to the team."