When Hugo Pérez served as a scout for the United States National Team and head of the U-14 team, someone approached him to recommend Jonathan González, who was 13 years old at the time. The El Salvador-born, naturalized American watched the now Monterrey player, decided to follow his progress, brought him to the United States squad and later told the American officials that he "was one of the most promising prospects for our teams," but they did not value him.

In recent days, the Mexican Football Federation spoke to González to switch his allegiance from the United States to Mexico, a decision he will make in the friendly match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, in the United States, they did not give him importance even though Hugo, at the time, saw him as a potential player for the U-17 World Cup with "the level and ability to do so."

"For me, there was no doubt that he should be there. He was a different player, a quality he has always had is his tactical discipline," said Pérez in an interview with ESPN Digital, adding that the U.S. made a big mistake in not calling him up for the friendly match against Portugal. "It was a very big mistake on our part to not have called him up. But he has the qualities to be there."

From a very young age, Jonathan showed maturity and although he was quiet off the field, he transformed on the field at the moment of the initial whistle and showed character. Hugo first went to San Jose Earthquakes to showcase González's talent, but since he lived in Santa Rosa, transportation was difficult for him, so he needed help, something that the MLS club did not want to take responsibility for.

After that, the scout took him to the Sueño Alianza program, where 13 Liga MX teams offered him a position. That's where he chose Monterrey. In the team with the fourth most expensive roster in Mexican soccer, he earned a starting spot in the Clausura 2017 when he faced experienced players like Jesús Zavala and Jesús Molina.

Now, Jonathan will wear the Mexican national team jersey and something similar happened to Hugo in his soccer career. In the 1982 World Cup, El Salvador qualified for the tournament, Pérez asked for an opportunity and was not given one, so he made the decision to naturalize as an American and defend that jersey.

"His (Jonathan) dream was to play in a World Cup with the United States, I don't think that has changed much. Simply when they don't value what you possess or have, someone gives you the opportunity. When they don't value you, obviously if they give you the opportunity and treat you better, it makes you feel important, it's easier to make a decision," concluded Hugo Pérez.