Left-footed defensive midfielder who has been fast-tracked through the ranks in recent years. Earned a first international call-up for the 2004 Olympics before he had even made an appearance in the top-flight of Mexican football with club side Pumas. A full international debut followed against Trinidad and Tobago in September 2004 and Pineda has quickly amassed another 20 caps. Originally a defender, he was recruited into the Pumas youth program at 13 and has developed into a handy attacking option with bags of pace.