Israel Reyes

Biography

A versatile América defender, Israel Reyes can play at centre-back, right-back or even in defensive midfield, doing it all with bite and a fine touch. That ability to cover several positions makes him a highly useful piece for El Tri.

That versatility is built on how he reads the game: he anticipates before the opponent receives, cuts passing lanes and plays out calmly even under pressure — virtues a coach appreciates just as much in the middle of the back line as out wide.

He left his small hometown of El Grullo, in Jalisco, very young to join the Atlas academy in Guadalajara. At first the distance and loneliness weighed on him, and he leaned on his mother’s encouragement not to give up and to keep chasing the dream far from home.

Those formative years at Atlas toughened him: he moved through the lower categories and loan spells before settling in, a patient path that explains his mental solidity on the pitch today.

He made his name at Puebla for his solidity and ball-playing, and since joining América he has won multiple titles. He brings flexibility and character to Mexico’s back line, and proudly carries the badge of being the face of a corner of the country that rarely reaches this far.

At this home World Cup, he knows his versatility can prove decisive as the tournament gets tougher: a centre-back who can also close down the flank is gold for Aguirre in a tie like tonight’s against England.