MEXICO CITY – If the MX League stadiums were open to the public, one of the few footballers for whom a ticket would be paid, beyond the shirt he wears, is called Rubens Sambueza.
Figures do not abound in Mexican football, and for years this character has occupied a place among players who never go unnoticed. He may even give a pass that seems insignificant, but in it he acquires another meaning.
Today, again he has the spotlight on and the years don’t seem to take their toll, as without the speed and explosiveness of yesteryear, what Rubens never stops doing is thinking. He always goes from one play forward and his competitive spirit demands him win on any stage.
Toluca’s calm goes well with ‘Sambu’ in his second stage, as he is more mature on and off the court, accepting the mistakes he made in the past and focused on not repeating them.
There is a misconception, especially when it comes to crackers, which means that the talent has an expiration date, and there are many coaches who shield themselves after the flag of physical football, running more than 90 minutes, show sacrifice and help in defensive tasks, to do without veteran footballers.
This is not the case with Hernán Cristiante, who has kept Sambueza as the captain of the Devils, a reference and inspiration for the team that took the overall lead after five games.
In the present Guard1anes 2021, Rubens heads the assistance department (3) and recently exceeded one hundred during his transition to Aztec football between Pumes, Tecos, America, León, Pachuca and Toluca, in addition to reaching 50 records .
At 37, this veteran gives away the biggest emotions in a tournament that started in reverse. Yes, he is the ‘grandfather’ who dominates the MX League.