Mexicans Abroad: Santiago Gimenez scores, Edson Alvarez delivers MVP performance

As the World Cup fast approaches, Mexican figures abroad are stepping up their game.

Diego Lainez and Santiago Gimenez recorded their debut goals for their newest sides in Europe, while Edson Alvarez continued to prove himself with Ajax. Erick Gutierrez and Chucky Lozano saw minutes of action for PSV and Napoli, shaping up a pretty good weekend for El Tri players.

Here's everything on Mexican figures abroad...

1. Diego Lainez scores with Sporting Braga

Diego Lainez scored his first goal for Sporting Braga in the 6-0 victory over Arouca on Sunday, kick-starting his career in Portugal. The Mexican national team player joined the Portuguese side on loan from Real Betis after failing to secure minutes under head coach Manuel Pellegrini.

But Lainez is back in full force for Sporting Braga.

"The truth is that I am very happy for my first goal, it was something very nice with the atmosphere that all our fans had. The truth is that it is something inexplicable and all the affection felt for them, the truth is that they make me very happy to be here in Braga and I am even happier with the team's performance," he said after the match.

The goal also propels Lainez towards Gerardo Martino’s 26-player roster headed to the World Cup.

2. Santiago Gimenez thrives vs. FC Emmen

Santiago Gimenez scored his first goal for Feyenoord, coming off the bench in the 63rd minute to propel the Dutch side to their 4-0 victory over FC Emmen.

But he wasn’t done. The forward also set up Jacob Rasmussen for the team’s third goal, sealing the win.

Saturday’s match served as his best game for Feyenoord since arriving in late July, ahead of the 2022 campaign. He’s adjusted well to the Eredivisie, inspiring World Cup hope.

3. Ajax

Edson Alvarez and Jorge Sanchez both contributed to Ajax’s 2-0 victory over Utrecht on Sunday.

Alvarez earned match MVP after a stunning 90 minute performance, setting up Steven Berghuis for the team’s first goal in the tenth minute. Sanchez, on the other hand, finally debuted with the club, coming off the bench in the 38th minute to replace an injured Devyne Rensch.

4. Honorable mentions:

Erick Gutierrez recorded an assist for PSV in the 6-1 victory over Excelsior.

Raul Jimenez continues to gain momentum with Wolves, scoring a goal that was eventually disallowed.

Chucky Lozano played 75 minutes for Napoli.

Marcelo Flores saw 65 minutes of action with Real Oviedo.

David Ochoa started in goal for D.C. United against Atlanta United.

Julian Araujo played the full 90 minutes in LA Galaxy's 2-1 victory over the New England Revolution.