EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey You probably won't see him on a television commercial anytime soon. He doesn't have an endorsement deal with a major corporation. He doesn't have women screaming out his name every time he steps on to the field.
Alfredo Talavera is a reserved 28-year-old from the Mexican state of Jalisco. He is not a star, a household name, not for the moment.
Tavalera was Mexico's backup goalkeeper until he unexpectedly had to take over for starter Guillermo Ochoa after Mexico's first Gold Cup match in Dallas.
Tavalera was called in after Ochoa, along with five other Mexico players, was suspended for testing positive for an illegal substance. Tavalera was suddenly going to be in the spotlight.
He is slated to make his third start Saturday when Mexico takes on Guatemala in the second match of a Gold Cup quarterfinals double-header at the New Meadowlands Stadium.
Tavalera is in transition, learning how to embrace his new role with El Tri. He didn't say it was a tough task to step right in on short notice after the news broke that Ochoa had been suspended last week.
He had just hours to mentally prepare for El Tri's match against Cuba in Charlotte. It was going to be his first start with the national team, though he had played in four games with El Tri.
The humble Tavalera played down the emotions that ran through his head after being told by coach José Manuel de la Torre that he would start.
"It wasn't difficult but there were a few bumps," Tavalera said. "You force your career. When you get here, the most difficult thing is to remain the starter. It is a great responsibility. This is not permanent. You play for your position everyday. You play for your pride. You have to do things correctly."
Talavera started against Cuba and Costa Rica in which he allowed a goal. He hasn't seen much action in front of his goal. Mexico has played with an aggressive attacking style in this Gold Cup. Mexico has also kept its opponent's strikers at bay. Tavalera is yet to be tested.
"It gives the defense, the goalkeeper, the coaches, confidence when you have a team that has that aggressiveness up front," Tavalera said. "The team makes it look easy because of its mystique. Its philosophy to be aggressive and score goals leaves us calm."
Guatemala could stir Tavalera's tranquility. Veteran attackers such as Carlo Costly, Carlos Ruiz and the young but versatile Marko Pappa could create some scoring opportunities for "Los Chapines."
Tavalera said he has spoken to Ochoa since his suspension. He didn't give many details about their conversations but Tavalera said Ochoa has praised him for his recent outings with El Tri.
After all, subbing in at the last minute is nothing new for Tavalera.
He had to replace veteran goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez in 2005 when Tavalera was a back-up for Mexican club Chivas de Guadalajara. Tavalera stepped in after Sanchez suffered a shoulder injury and later left with the national team to the 2006 World Cup.
Tavalera has penciled in his starting spot with his club Toluca. He earned it after Hernan Cristante went down with an injury in 2009. Tavalera has played in 72 matches for his club.
Then he got the call to join Mexico for a series of friendlies heading into the Gold Cup.
Mexico's goalkeeper's coach, Nicolas Navarro, said he trains all goalkeepers the same. He prepares them as if they were all starters.
In Tavalera's case, Navarro said the process wasn't difficult.
"He's been with us for a while now," Navarro said of Tavalera. "He knows what we require of him. He's a smart player and he will continue to grow as we ask him to do his job with the national team."
Tavalera insists he is comfortable in such position.
"This is not something that began yesterday or last week," Tavalera said. "This is the dream, the result of a lot of work, the work you put in everyday. When you get that chance, you have to take advantage of it."
ivan.orozco@sandiegored.com
[sidebar]Where to watch
The Mexico vs. Guatemala game in the Gold Cup Tournament will be televised live by Univision on Saturday at 5 p.m. (San Diego time). More information in English and Spanish at goldcup.org
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