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Mexico Hot List: Dos Santos brothers heating up, Jesus Corona misfiring

With a friendly against Croatia on Saturday in Los Angeles, the Mexico national team's very busy spring and summer season is about to begin.

In a short amount of time, manager Juan Carlos Osorio will need to utilize a long list of players in upcoming friendlies, the Confederations Cup, the Gold Cup and World Cup qualifiers. While some have already earned a call-up for Osorio's initial list, others will need to keep their fingers crossed for another opportunity on the Gold Cup roster.

Keeping this in mind, let's take a look at some of the recent best and worst from Mexican footballers at home and abroad.

Warming up

Giovani dos Santos, FW, L.A. Galaxy (United States)

Why he's here: Giovani has been on fire for the Galaxy in May. In his past three MLS matches, the Mexican star has collected three goals and an assist. In case you haven't seen it, you also need to watch his incredible golazo from Sunday's 2-1 win over Minnesota United.

What this means: With plenty of confidence on display in recent weeks, the 28-year-old will be one of the Mexican players to keep an eye on this summer. Although he won't be available for the upcoming friendlies, expect the Barcelona product to be a key figure in next month's World Cup qualifiers and Confederations Cup.

Javier Aquino, MF, Tigres (Mexico)

Why he's here: The winger has been in fine form for Tigres in the Liga MX playoffs. In last week's semifinal series against Club Tijuana, which ended in an aggregate 4-0 victory over two legs, Aquino was vital for the current title-holders with his two goals.

What this means: Despite the depth of the winger position for El Tri, Aquino's superb Liga MX performances might be able to earn him a surprise start or two next month. Before he returns to the national team, the 27-year-old will also have an exciting chance to win another league title with Tigres this week.

Jonathan dos Santos, MF, Villarreal (Spain)

Why he's here: Giovani isn't the only Dos Santos who has been making headlines. Jonathan, the younger of the two, has recently helped Villarreal earn a Europa League position in La Liga. Thanks to the 3-1 victory over Valencia on Sunday, which included an assist from the Mexico international, the Submarino Amarillo finished the season in Spain's top five.

What this means: After his impressive campaign in Europe, Jonathan is worthy of maintaining a starting role with Mexico. Although El Tri is stacked in the midfield, Osorio must find a way to incorporate the versatile 27-year-old.

Cooling Down

Carlos Salcedo, DF, Fiorentina (Italy)

Why he's here: Salcedo's year in Italy is quietly coming to a close. During Saturday's 4-1 loss to Napoli, the on-loan defender was left without minutes for the third match in a row.

What this means: Whether Osorio utilizes Salcedo as a starter or not is still up in the air. In spite of his lack of regular minutes in 2017, the central defender has been able to exceed expectations when given the opportunity abroad. For Osorio, a role at right-back for Salcedo isn't out of the question either for El Tri.

Henry Martin, FW, Tijuana (Mexico)

Why he's here: After a crucial goal in the Liga MX quarterfinals, Martin was largely ineffective for Xolos in the semifinals against Tigres. In the second leg at home on Sunday, which ended in a 2-0 loss, the striker wasn't able to find the back of the net against goalkeeper Nahuel Guzman.

What this means: A strong showing in the playoffs could have been enough to earn a surprise call-up for the Gold Cup. Unfortunately for the 24-year-old, he will first need to work on solidifying a starting role for Xolos next season.

Jesus Corona, MF, Porto (Portugal)

Why he's here: Like the rest of Porto's Mexican contingent, Corona hasn't had the ideal season in Europe. Consistency remains a problem and during Sunday's 3-1 loss to Moreirense, the winger wasn't brought on until the second half.

What this means: That said, "Tecatito" is a firecracker when he decides to be at his best. Osorio has plenty of wingers to utilize this summer, but will likely be tempted to give opportunities to the 24-year-old that is capable of world-class goals and movement with the ball.