Jaime Lozano reveals why Raul Jimenez started over Santiago Gimenez in Ghana win | OneFootball

Mexican national team head coach Jaime Lozano has explained his decision to play Raul Jimenez over Santiago Gimenez as the starting striker against Ghana.

Gimenez entered the October international window as the Eredivisie's top goalscorer with 12 in eight games for Feyenoord, while Jimenez has failed to score for Fulham so far this season. But on a national team level, the Premier League striker leads in contributions after scoring three goals during the September window.

After the 2-0 win at Bank of America Stadium, Lozano revealed he based the decision to start Jimenez on his performances in recent games.

"I brought three great forwards and I based my decision on the rival, on Raúl's time, what he did in the last games. Not that Santi didn't contribute but there is a nice competition now. The intention is to prepare, do our best and get a good result, we also want to keep growing. We don't want to give one good game and another average," he admitted.

"We want to take solid steps forward, to build a great team of players who can express their best qualities."

Gimenez earned the start against Australia during the September window, but failed to capitalize on any opportunity at goal. It wasn't until the Fulham striker entered the game in the second half to score a penalty that Mexico began the 2-2 comeback.

Jimenez then picked up the start against Uzbekistan three days later, scoring twice in open play to extend his lead over the Eredivisie player.

Still, Lozano admits he still holds doubts over the starting lineup, remaining open to any player that impresses before teasing changes against Germany.

"I always have doubts, it takes me until the last day to decide, not all but a couple of players and positions. I like that they have the opportunity like Arteaga who does it at a high level, Jorge Sánchez too, not to mention Johan and César, everyone. They played a great game against Ghana," he added.

"I'm sure there will be changes for the next game, but one tries to move the pieces according to the rivals and encourage healthy competition between players."

Mexico hosts Germany on Tuesday night at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.