Stars Of The Future – Javier Hernandez

Known as Chicharito, Javier Hernandez is a third generation Mexico international,following in the footsteps of his father, Javier Henandez Gutierrez, and grandfather, Tomas Balcazar.

Signed by Manchester United in the summer of 2010, “Chicharito” has the potential to go on to great things for the Old Trafford giants. A speedy forward, who likes to play on the shoulder of defenders, should link up excellently with Wayne Rooney, with the England international making the space for Hernandez to run into.

Born in Gaudalajara on 1st June, 1988, he signed for his local club, Chivas de Guadalajara, at the age of nine. He played with the Chivas junior side, Chivas Coras, before making his debut for the full team in 2006, coming on as a late substitute and scoring the final goal in his teams 4-0 win. He was to make six further appearances that season, although he failed to add to his tally.

It was the forwards total of 29 goals in 73 games that brought him to the attention of United, who he will join after the World Cup, becoming the first Mexican to play for them. In Europe, he will join other products of the Guadalajara academy, including Carlos Vela at Arsenal and PSV Eindhoven’s Mexican duo Carlos Salcido and Francisco Rodriguez.

It is at international level Hernandez is making waves at the moment. Called up to “El Tri” to prove himself worthy of a World Cup 2010 squad place, he proceded to score against Holland in a 2-1 loss, and a double in a 5-1 win over Gambia. He now had 7 goals in 12 appearances. Needless to say, he made the final 23, making his World Cup debut against South Africa in the opening game as a 73rd minute substitute for Guillermo Franco, following his grandfather(1954) and father(1986) as a Mexican World Cup representative. In Mexico’s next game against France, Hernandez was called upon again, as a 55th minute sub for Ephrain Juarez. He scored his first World Cup goal nine minutes later, racing onto Rafael Marques’s through-ball before rounding Hugo Lloris and slotting home. Mexico went on to score again through Cauthemoc Blanco, winning 2-0.

While “Chicharito” will have a lot to do to make the grade at Old Trafford, he could well be the find of the season.