GUADALAJARA, Mexico – Club América defender Ventura Alvarado is anxious, a little nervous and most of all keen for the Liga MX final against Tigres to get underway.
After playing just 106 minutes in total during the 2014 Apertura regular season, the 22-year-old from Phoenix, Ariz., started both legs of América’s semifinal series against Monterrey, winning plaudits in the second game for his performance as the only player from Las Aguilas’ youth system participating.
América’s number 17 is now set to feature in the Liga MX final in what are easily the most important games of his career on Thursday at Estadio Universitario (9:30 pm ET, Univision Deportes) and Sunday at Estadio Azteca (7 pm ET, Univision Deportes).
“I’m grateful to the entire club, to the players, my friends and to the coach,” Alvarado said over the phone to MLSsoccer.com on Tuesday. “I feel great right now. [I’m] anxious and a little bit nervous about my first final in [the first division]. I want to play and for it to be Sunday already.”
Alvarado’s unexpected rise to first-team starter came about when América coach Antonio Mohamed separated Mexico international right back Paul Aguilar from the squad after the quarterfinal against Pumas, although with the likes of the experienced Juan Carlos “Topo” Valenzuela also an option for the position, the American wasn’t a shoo-in to replace him.
“They could’ve put other players, like 'Topo' or another player, but [the coaching staff] gave me the confidence and just told me to do what I do,” explained Alvarado.
Right back isn’t a position Alvarado has played regularly before. He’s capable of slotting in anywhere on the backline, and although he is right-footed, he’s almost as comfortable on his left, having practiced a lot with his “other” foot as a kid back in Arizona.
“I’ve been playing in all kinds of different positions,” he said. “I feel comfortable, am getting used to and liking right back. I just need to learn a couple more things and be a bit more experienced. I think where I can make the most of my talent is at right back."
Alvarado’s youth career was exemplary since arriving at América aged just 15. The youngster won two Under-20 league titles and had a successful loan stint at Necaxa in the second half of 2013 and first half of 2014.
His form has earned him call-ups to Mexico youth national teams in the past, but he isn’t focused exclusively on El Tri – as one report in Mexico stated last month.
“I would love to play for the national team, both the US or Mexico,” said Alvarado. “I’d be so happy if they called me.”
Asked if he hopes US national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann is watching on, he replied: “I hope so. I’m going to keep it in mind that he watches and do a great job.”
The player’s family is considering making the trip to Mexico City for the second leg in Estadio Azteca next Sunday and if he helps América lift their 12th title – taking them above Chivas as Mexico’s most successful club – Alvarado will have made his mark on a historic occasion for the storied institution.
