Cruz Azul's summer overhaul led to the superlider position & a spot in the final. What other offseason signings made the difference in Liga MX?
Hector VivasIvan Marcone | Lanus to Cruz Azul
Marcone shored up the Cruz Azul midfield upon arrival and reportedly has interest from Villarreal for a big-money move to La Liga after his excellent debut campaign in Liga MX.
He completed more than 84 percent of his passes per match and was perhaps the best player in the league at winning the ball back. It's no accident that as Pedro Caixinha modified his lineup during the season, the Argentine never gave up his space, missing out on a single league match between the Apertura campaign and the playoffs.
AdvertisementManuel VelasquezPablo Aguilar | Tijuana to Cruz Azul
One of Liga MX's best center backs for the last several campaigns, Aguilar didn't drop off after returning to Mexico City. The 31-year-old anchored a back line that conceded only 13 times in the 17-match regular season and chipped in three set-piece goals for good measure.
The former America center back now has a chance to help his club to a double by beating America in the title match. It's a remarkable testament to his longevity – and his discipline. The previously foul-prone defender saw yellow just three times this season while winning five duels a match and making good on more than 70 percent of the tackles he attempted.
GettyJesus Gallardo | Pumas to Monterrey
While Rodolfo Pizarro struggled with injury, Gallardo proved to be a savvy signing who produced immediate results for Diego Alonso's side this season.
After playing at left back during the World Cup, with some reports suggesting he'd garnered European attention only for teams to learn he'd already agreed to move to Monterrey, Gallardo gave Alonso a piece who could attack, defend or do a mix of both. He ended the campaign with three goals and an assist. The fact he can play at left back, left wing or in the midfield makes Gallardo more valuable than his numbers would suggest.
Hector VivasCarlos Gonzalez | Necaxa to Pumas
Carlos Gonzalez filled the Nicolas Castillo-sized hole that had existed at the front of Pumas' attack. After the Chilean's departure for Benfica, the question was who would score for Pumas after their heavy dependence on "El Tanque" up front. The answer was the Paraguayan Gonzalez.
His performances against Tigres shouldn't escape notice. After a hat trick against Tuca Ferretti's side in the regular season, he added another in the playoffs as Pumas progressed in the clubs' quarterfinal matchup. All in all, Gonzalez ended the season with nine goals between regular season and playoffs.