Gio Lauds Jona’s Ability To Play For Mexico

Posted Thursday, March 04, 2010 by YAHOO Sport

Giovani Dos Santos has the majority of his career ahead of him but has already established himself as an important player for the Mexican national team.

Dos Santos helped win the Under-17 World Cup in 2005 and was a key player in 2009 for both Mexico's Gold Cup-winning squad and in their successful World Cup qualifying campaign.

His younger brother Jonathan, though, has had relatively little time wearing Mexico's colors and is not a regular on his club. However, Giovani said his sibling earned his way on the team.

"I only know that my brother has more than enough qualities to be here," Gio said in a press conference. "He's here for a reason and I hope to be with him in this World Cup."

The Dos Santos brothers could play together with Mexico for the first time. Jonathan has one appearance for El Tri and if he sees action against New Zealand on Wednesday at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, he could very well live out a childhood dream both had of playing alongside one another on the national team.

Giovani has been an important player for El Tri and is all but a lock to make the World Cup roster. While in 2006 he was in a similar situation as Jonathan is now - an international novice - Giovani said his brother might do what he was unable to and land a spot on a World Cup team anyway.

"From what I've seen, I believe each manager has his ideas," he said. "He takes players he thinks will be the best for the World Cup. I believe at that time I didn't have the ability to go but other players did."

Still, what helps set Jonathan apart is the club he plays on. At Barcelona, Jonathan is exposed to things he would not be privy to at other clubs.

"He's on the best club in the world, training with the best players," Giovani said. "That (World Cup roster) decision is for Javier (Aguirre) to make."