Carlos Peña: A Failed Signing for Cruz Azul

Reinforcing a team is one thing, but being an incorporation is something completely different. This is exactly where Carlos Peña finds himself, who arrived at Cruz Azul at the request (or whim) of Pedro Caixinha. Peña is becoming just another player to add to the long list of failed signings that La Máquina has accumulated in recent years.

Although the number '10' jersey, which was previously worn by 'Chaco' Giménez, is now being used by Walter Montoya, 'Gullit' is undoubtedly the player who was intended to fill the void left by Christian Giménez, a player who became an idol for Cruz Azul since joining the team in 2010.

‘CHACO’ VS ‘GULLIT’

In the current Clausura 2018 tournament, Carlos Peña has played a total of 217 minutes in the league, appearing in six matches, four of them as a substitute. However, in the two games he started as a titular, 'Gullit' has not played beyond the first half.

In comparison, at the same stage of the previous season, Christian Giménez had played 295 minutes in the league. Like Peña, Giménez had only started in two matches in the starting XI, but the Argentine had also scored a goal for La Máquina.

IN HIS FIRST SEASON

Although his numbers were not the best, Christian Giménez had a much better performance in his debut season for Cruz Azul compared to what Peña has shown.

After 13 matchdays in the Bicentenario 2010 tournament, 'Chaco' had played 12 games as a starter, with seven of them playing the full 90 minutes and scoring two goals.