Javier Hernandez, better known to the footballing world as “Chicharito,” is literally the next big thing.
The humble, but talented youngster made waves for CD Guadalajara before a dream signing at Manchester United years later. To go from the best team in Mexico’s First Division to the world’s best league was a jump, a move Hernandez spent his whole life preparing for.
Chicharito by Frank Worrall is a great piece of sportswriting, one that uncovers a superstar in the making. Worrall tells the story of the meteoric rise of “Little Pea” himself from a variety of perspectives and at the same time utilizes a conversational style that keeps the reader personally involved with the storyline. You hear from players, fans, pundits, coaches, even Sir Alex himself. The message they share is the great potential of Hernandez, a player that has become a big name on the world’s biggest stage.
Chicharito’s success in England is impressive and a rare feat among Mexican players. Many of his countrymen made headlines with their national team, only to sputter in Europe. Think Jared Borgetti, Nery Castillo, Guillermo Franco, Carlos Salcido, Pablo Barrera, Giovani dos Santos, the list seems to go on forever. Despite being only 24, Chicharito is the best Mexican player to ever play in England and perhaps in all of Europe. And things are just getting started.
But the road hasn’t always been an easy one. There was a time when Hernandez contemplated his footballing future and thought about leaving the game behind. There was a time when a nasty concussion brought about injury concerns for the Man U striker. But the good times outweigh the bad at every turn as Chicharito has become a mainstay in Manchester.
All of us fans are excited to see what happens next. An EPL title? A great run at the 2014 World Cup? Who knows? The sky is certainly the limit for Mexico’s next great hope.
If you love Manchester United or the EPL, then this book is a must-have. If you enjoy Mexican football, then you can’t be without it. Simply put, a brilliantly written text that captures the greatness of a footballing journey is something you definitely need.
