USA vs. Mexico Combined XI: Building The Best Lineup Ahead of the Gold Cup Final

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The stars of the United States and Mexico have put together a string of memorable performances in the Concacaf Gold Cup that have led to the two historic rivals meeting in Sunday's final in Houston.But before the U.S. and Mexico go head-to-head for the eighth time in the tournament's history with the trophy on the line,  FOX Sports put together a combined lineup of the rivals' best players. Here are the results:Luis Malagon,  MexicoPosition: GoalkeeperClub: Club AmricaAge: 28Matt Freese's penalty shootout heroics against Costa Rica notwithstanding,  Malagn has been a steadier keeper. After giving up two goals in the Gold Cup opener against the Dominican Republic,  Malagn has been locked in and hasn't conceded since. His experience in a high-stakes final  whether in Liga MX or leading El Tri at the Nations League final in March  gives him the edge. Julian Araujo,  MexicoPosition: Right backClub: BournemouthAge: 23The one-time USMNT player has grown into this role for Mexico,  especially at this tournament. Mexico coach Javier Aguirre has favored him over veteran Jorge Sanchez,  but expect Araujo to get a big test in trying to neutralize the USMNT attack led by the likes of Diego Luna and Malik Tillman. Chris Richards,  United StatesPosition: Center backClub: Crystal PalaceAge: 25Richards has played all but four minutes at this Gold Cup,  and is quickly sealing his spot for next year's World Cup. He scored the game-winner against Saudi Arabia and saved the U.S. with a key defensive play in that game. His tough attitude and willingness to back up his teammates in testy moments also sets him apart. Cesar Montes Raúl Jiménez Jersey,  MexicoPosition: Center backClub: Lokomotiv MoscowAge: 28If the World Cup were to start today,  Montes would start for Mexico alongside fellow formidable defender Johan Vasquez. On a team with some top attacking talent,  interestingly it's Montes who leads El Tri in goals at this Gold Cup. The USMNT will need to keep an eye on him when defending corner kicks as he is a threat on headers. Max Arfsten https://www.mexicosoccerstore.com/collections/roberto-alvarado-jersey,  United StatesPosition: Left backClub: Columbus CrewAge: 24The absence of Antonee "Jedi" Robinson at this Gold Cup was seen as a huge concern for U.S. fans. Arfsten has done well to briefly alleviate that. He redeemed himself against Costa Rica to actually win Man of the Match honors for his goal and assist in the wild quarterfinal win. He leads the tournament with three assists. Edson Alvarez,  MexicoPosition: Defensive midfielderClub: West Ham UnitedAge: 27Frankly a toss-up between him and Tyler Adams. Both are versatile in the midfield and eager to defend,  but let's go with Alvarez as he's been slightly better on offense at this tournament. Watching both these high-level talents orchestrate Sunday's final and keeping their teammates cool under pressure will be key. Diego Luna,  United StatesPosition: Attacking midfielderClub: Real Salt LakeAge: 21The breakout star for the U.S. in this tournament,  the "Moon Man" has three goals and two assists in five appearances. Only Panama's Ismael Diaz,  the tournament's leading goalscorer,  has more goal contributions than Luna.Gilberto Mora,  MexicoPosition: Attacking midfielderClub: Club TijuanaAge: 16In the age of Lamine Yamal,  Mexico has its own teenage sensation in Mora. The 16-year-old attacking midfielder became the youngest player to ever debut in a match for El Tri in the quarterfinal against Saudi Arabia,  and set up Raul Jimenez's match-winning goal in the semifinal vs. Honduras. Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) Malik Tillman,  United StatesPosition: Attacking midfielderClub: PSV EindhovenAge: 23The United States' co-leader in goals scored has also been their most consistent player throughout the tournament. Tillman scored three in the group stage and assisted in both the semifinals and quarterfinals. He's also tied with Luna for a team-high five goal Jimnez,  MexicoPosition: StrikerClub: FulhamAge: 34The ultra-reliable Jimnez has been just that for Mexico in the Gold Cup,  most recently scoring the match-winning goal against Honoduras in the semifinal. He has two goals and 11 shoats registered in five appearances this tournament. Alexis Vega Guillermo Ochoa Jersey,  MexicoPosition: ForwardClub: TolucaAge: 27Through five games,  Vega leads Mexico with 11 chances created. He had an assist in the group stage vs. Suriname and a goal vs. Saudi Arabia in the quarterfinals. In total,  he has seven goals in 44 appearances for Mexico. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox?Create or log in to your FOX Sports account and follow leagues,  teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily!

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