Liga MX Player of the Week: Alexis Canelo

Toluca’s Alexis Canelo was named Liga Bancomer MX Player of the Week for Jornada 15 by a poll of Liga MX English-language writers and broadcasters.

Canelo scored two goals in Toluca’s comeback 3-2 win on Sunday against Club América.

The Argentine came off the bench at halftime and played just 25 minutes before he got on the scoreboard. Toluca’s Antonio Rios stole an America ball at midfield and gave it up to Emmanuel Gigliotti. The former Independiente striker struggled against America’s defenders, but Canelo was there to pick up the pieces and tie the match.

Ten minutes later, it was Las Aguilas who had a chance to score via a corner kick. In a true 2018 World Cup Belgium vs. Japan moment, Toluca keeper Alfredo Talavera snatched the ball from the air before giving it up to Rodrigo Salinas. The left-back gave the rock to Felipe Pardo who raced to the other end, passed it inside to an all-alone Canelo who then struck it awkwardly, but it was still enough to beat Agustin Marchesin and give Los Diablos the three points.

The 27-year-old walked away from the Estadio Nemesio Diez with an 8.1 match rating from SofaScore. He had one key pass, one defensive clearance and won five of his duels against the defending league and cup champs.

Toluca began the season on a low, but now Canelo’s brace has helped Los Diablos Rojos to get within two points of a spot in the Liguilla.

Ricardo La Volpe’s men have just two more chances to make La Fiesta Grande, with Pumas UNAM and Lobos BUAP standing in their way.

This is the second Toluca player to claim POTW honors this season, with striker Enrique Triverio taking the title for Jornada 1.

For more information on Liga MX and to keep up with the Player of the Week poll, follow @FMFSoM on Twitter.