Following a busy summer for Mexico's national team, things are gradually coming together in the new season for various players and their clubs. Liga MX is now two weeks into its Apertura tournament and the start of several European competitions are just around the corner.
That said, with two World Cup qualifiers set for El Tri early next month, players will have only a short amount of time to steal attention from manager Juan Carlos Osorio. Whether it's a key player like Hirving Lozano, or a long-forgotten name such as Hiram Mier, here is how a noteworthy handful stand in this week's Mexico hot-list.
Warming up
Rafael Marquez, DF, Atlas (Mexico)
Why he's here: Atlas' leading distributor has already proven to be vital to his squad. During last Friday's 2-1 win over Pumas, Marquez provided the assist for Matias Alustiza's game-winner in the 71st minute.
What this means: At 38 years of age, the Mexican legend somehow continues to have a massive influence on the pitch. Although he might not be a starter for El Tri, fans should expect Osorio to give Marquez another call-up in the near future.
Jesus Isijara, FW, Necaxa (Mexico)
Why he's here: One week after scoring in the 2-0 victory against Veracruz, Isijara followed up the performance with another goal in the recent 1-0 win over Tijuana. Granted, the goal probably should have been called offside, but the winger has still emerged as one of his team's most dangerous and threatening members in attack.
What this means: Considering his omission from the recent Gold Cup, Isijara appears to be inspired to impress. If he continues to find the back of the net, there's a good chance that Osorio will be eager to give the 27-year-old a backup role for El Tri next month.
Hirving Lozano, FW, PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands)
Why he's here: Last week was a promising start for one of Mexico's most intriguing young names. Just days after making his debut for PSV, Lozano stepped up with a goal and an assist during Sunday's 4-0 friendly victory against De Treffers.
What this means: This is all excellent news for the national team, but most importantly, it's a possible sign of good things to come in Europe for Lozano. This Thursday, Lozano might get a chance to once again shine in the Europa League qualifier against NK Osijek.
Cooling down
Hiram Mier, DF, Queretaro (Mexico)
Why he's here: Mier was a part of a Queretaro backline that completely fell apart in the 4-0 loss to Lobos BUAP over the weekend. The 27-year-old was also personally at fault for poor marking that helped lead to the first goal in the loss.
What this means: Like Munoz, Mier will need to be at his very best in order to grab Osorio's attention. The once-promising defender continues to remain far too low on Mexico's depth chart.
Moises Munoz, GK, Puebla (Mexico)
Why he's here: Following a quiet role as a backup at the Gold Cup, Munoz kicked off his Liga MX season with a match-altering blunder. Last Friday, after failing to punch out a ball off a corner, the veteran provided Morelia with an equalizer in the 1-1 draw at home.
What this means: Although Munoz has the talents to be an influential figure for Puebla, he will need to be near-perfect in order to retain relevance for the national team. Small mistakes like the one seen last week will massively hurt his chances for a call-up.
Carlos Vargas, DF, Club America (Mexico)
Why he's here: After a dull debut for America during Week 1's 1-0 loss to Queretaro, Vargas was later benched for the club in the recent 2-0 victory against Pachuca. The Club America newcomer didn't make an appearance during the win until the 81st minute.
What this means: Vargas clearly has plenty of potential, but will also need to fight for a starting spot this season. Before he earns his first-ever minutes for the national team, the 18-year-old will have plenty to prove for Las Aguilas.