This guy must be the most underrated footballer in Ecuador history. For some reason, he never gets the attention or praise he deserves for his abilities and his habits of producing some of the most important moments in the history of Ecuadorian football. Let me recount some of his feats of individual brilliance: 2002 WC Qualifying: Ecuador 1 - Brazil 0 - replaces Aguinaga(!!) who is injured halfway through the game and adds life to the midfield in this historic victory. I believe this was his first cap. 2002 WC Qualifying: Peru 1 - Ecuador 2 - before El Tin's famous injury-time winner, a young Mendez, in one of his first games for the Tricolor, made it possible by scoring a crucial equalizer off a Ulises De La Cruz cross. 2002 World Cup: Ecuador 1 - Croatia 0 - scores in Ecuador's first ever World Cup victory, and our second ever World Cup goal 2006 WC Qualifying: Ecuador 5 - Paraguay 2 - after going down 0-2 Mendez scores the 2rd and 3rd goals to tie and put us in the lead. The 2nd goal was possibly the most beautiful goal ever scored for Ecuador. 2006 WC Qualifying: Ecuador 1 - Brazil 0 - scores the winner with 10 minutes left in the match to give us 3 vital points on the way to Germany. 2006 World Cup: Dominant midfield performances against Poland and Costa Rica to give us the 6 points and guarantee the next round. 2 assists against Costa Rica, including the cross for the famous Kaviedes "Spiderman" celebration. Gets noticed in Europe and joins PSV after the WC. 2006-2007 PSV Eindhoven: Scores 2 goals on his European debut. 2006-2007 Champions League: PSV 1 - Arsenal 0 - first Ecuadorian ever to score in a Champions League match, it also happens to be the winning goal in the Round of 16 against one of the best teams in Europe. 2010 WC Qualifying: Ecuador 1 - Brazil 1 - Magical dribbling of several Brazilian defenders to put the cross in for the tying goal - as good as Kaviedes famous dribbling of 3 Brazilians 8 years before. 2009 Copa Sudamericana: LDUQ 5 - Fluminense 1 - Scores a natural HAT TRICK (i.e. no penalties) in the final, virtually guaranteeing the title. When you think of what this guy has done, it surpasses everybody, except Spencer and maybe Aguinaga (who never got the chance to play major international tournaments in his prime) in terms of achievements, trophies and glory. In my lifetime, he's the second most talented ever behind Aguinaga (Valencia has the tools but he's still young). I think there will be a big hole in the NT midfield when he retires, and the next coach (Bauza) needs to think seriously about how to replace him if he does not have the same abilities 4 years from now. Just thought I'd give this guy his dues, and hoping he leads LDU to more glory tomorrow night.
Re: Tribute to Edison Mendez Edison Mendez is certainly NOT underrated. He is one of my fave footballers.. in my top 3 I would say in Ecuador. I believe we are all aware that he is a living legend in Ecuadorian football. A great!
Re: Tribute to Edison Mendez The only reason Edison Mendez is underrated by the media is because he never played in the English or Spanish league. But remember that he was one of the 150 for the footballer of the year according to a french magazine a few years ago.
Re: Tribute to Edison Mendez I think he's always been underrated. Let's face it - out of every 10 players that generates excitement at a young age, 9.5 end up as failures and never live up to the hype or expectations. I was thinking of starting a list, but I don't need to - you all know the names. When Mendez came on the scene, I knew very little of him, and he didn't come with a lot of expectations as "the next Aguinaga". But looking back, I think he actually became "the next Aguinaga" because he has pulled the strings in every midfield he has played on. Then after solid performances in the World Cup 2002, and scoring the winner against Croatia, I thought to myself European teams will be knocking down the doors for this guy. I was shocked when he went only to Santos Laguna in Mexico. Then I was REALLY shocked when I saw he was coming off the bench there, and later was sold back to Liga when they (Santos) got relegated. Some Mexican coach needs to be shot for that move. Then, after consistently solid performances for Liga and in the World Cup 2006, he finally gets his chance to go to Europe. I still think he could have done better than PSV, which is a good team in an average league, at least in terms of competitiveness. During his time there, he was a regular starter but unfortunately due to the low profile of the Dutch league, you never heard much about him. I also think he was restrained tactically, because I usually saw him playing defensive mid, so the only time his name was on the scoresheet was for yellow and red cards. I don't think PSV and Europe ever saw him at his true capabilities. Now that he's back in Ecuador we can all see how devastating a player he truly is. He has caused Liga fans to forget about Manso. Liga is beating really good teams 7-0 and 5-1, it's embarrassing. And the biggest reason is Mendez. I say he's underrated because he never commanded a high transfer fee. He's never worn the #10 shirt, when I've always thought of him as a #10. He's never been captain. He doesn't always get credit for stuff, either, like the move against Brazil. I've never seen him in commercials or advertisements when I've been to Ecuador. Only those of us who follow this stuff hardcore seem to consider him up there with the greatest, so I figured I'd start this thread because tomorrow he's bringing an international trophy to Ecuador. And the rivals in Copa Libertadores better watch the videos and take notes.
Re: Tribute to Edison Mendez Everything you said is true... Although I don't think he should be a NT captain...I think that belongs to Valencia for the next Qualifier. It should definitely go to someone young, but experienced and Valencia IMO is the best candidate.
Re: Tribute to Edison Mendez It should go to someone that can push the players, motivate and lead thm on the field.
Re: Tribute to Edison Mendez I think the only one that can do that is Valencia....he's young, he's had experience at a World Cup, has played 2 WCQ, has played in 2 of the most competitve leagues in the world, plays in Manchester United (and is doing pretty damn well btw), and MOST OF ALL has a great personality. I admire Valencia's personality...he's serious, focused, puts his heart in the game, and knows the damn meaning of SUDAR LA CAMISETA. I think he'd make a great leader....I'd say most of his teammates in our NT look up to him for his accomplishments as well. Great role model, he's humble, etc. etc. I can go on about how much every coach or person speaks highly about Valencia's personality. I mean, what other candidates DO we have?? I can't name one other than Valencia. we gotta see that most of our players will be brand new. we gotta basically exclude Mendez, Reasco, Ayovi, Espinoza, Elizaga, Hurtado, Cevallos, etc out of the list...By the time our next WCQ begins Mendez's game is gonna be going on downfall most likely, same with Ayovi, same with Reasco...and obviously Hurtado, Espinoza, Elizaga, Cevallos etc won't even come to mind lol. These next 2 years are the last moments in which Reasco, Ayovi, and Mendez will probably shine. Then we gotta say bye to them too.
Re: Tribute to Edison Mendez Mendez has made some controversial decisions here and there but his talent was and isn't doubted, he has the speed of a winger, the strike of foward, the aggresion of a defensive-mid and the creativity of a #10. He's been nothing but class with the ball at his feet, and I agree that he's underrated. I believe he can last another cycle, mainly because he thinks when plays, not only runs. And for the record he's only been captain once (away game in Asuncion, when paraguay ate us up 5-1).
Re: Tribute to Edison Mendez Excellent footballer but did this guy "QUIT" the national team in the most important transition period for Ecuador football in this qualifier? This guy is another contributer to why ecuador is staying home next summer. He might have made the difference against Argentina and definitely against Colombia in Quito. He's lucky he never get attention because in other Football nation, They'll eat him alive for his "UNPATRIOTIC" attitude.
Re: Tribute to Edison Mendez I have to agree with you. Mendez talent was never underrated, he was always considered one of the premier talents in Ecuador, but the thing that i will never forget is when he retired from NT. Granted he came back a short while later, but when he retired that killed not only the morale of NT but of the whole country. What i remember him saying was that he would never play for NT as long as Vizuete was coach because they were doomed to fail and not qualify. Nice message to send to the team and the country. As it turned out his prophecy turned into reality, but i think this only contributed to the negativity and pessimism that surrounded the team in this WCQ. Now I'm not saying Mendez is to blame, remember, the team had other issues- a slow and old defense, an inability to score, but when Mendez made that statement, a veteran and respected player, it caused people to be skeptical about Vizuete and not trust him. Now I'm not saying Vizuete is a good coach, all I'm saying is when they hired Vizuete, even if he was not the best coach, you at least have to stand behind him and prepare to go to war on the pitch.
Re: Tribute to Edison Mendez I think Mendez could last through the next cycle, although he'll be 35 by the time 2014 comes around. I believe he is at the peak of his career right now and will start to decline around 33, which means he'll still have good legs and a good brain for the first half of WC qualifying and Copa America. However, I think we need to gradually get Noboa to assume his position in central midfield.
Re: Tribute to Edison Mendez Noboa needs to assume that position now. Mendez, thank you very much....but his time with the NT is done.
Re: Tribute to Edison Mendez I wouldn't say his time with the NT is done. He would be the oldest or atleast one of the oldest for the next cycle- which would be definitely his last if he chooses to remain. It's always good to have 1-3 older players in the team to lead and teach the new generation. Besides, for his age, Mendez is better than most of the young guys and scoring left and right/assisting/crossing and his experience and leadership can be vital for the upcoming cycle. I would want him for captain of the NT. Mendez and Ayovi should defenitely stay. They still have what it takes for the NT. Even Elizaga can stay a while longer since Goalkeepers have that luxury of being able to play at waay older ages just look at Kahn. IMHO.
Re: Tribute to Edison Mendez I'm thinking about the captain thing again, and wondering...does anybody know anything about his personality? On the field he looks, and plays, like a leader and a true professional. He also speaks well when interviewed after a match. But I also remember how he quit when Vizuete got the job, and also I remember a YouTube video where his coach at PSV was YELLING at him like he screwed his wife...is there a dark side to his personality?
Re: Tribute to Edison Mendez He should not be captain based on the fact that he will not be around in 2014.
Re: Tribute to Edison Mendez I have a friend in Ecuador who was a goalie for some team in Ibarra and he got to practice with the NT since they were going to scrimmage them. I think he said this was preparation for the 2002 WC. He told me that most of the players were cool with everyone but he said Mendez was the only one he could not stand. He said he was arrogant and he always tried to be a smart ass. I've never seen Mendez be like that on the field but my friend told me this.
Re: Tribute to Edison Mendez They just showed TOP 10 gols in Sudamericana 2009 One of his gols was voted #1 by FOX Sports sometimes people confuse arrogance with confidence. In all the interviews I've heard him speak he is outspoken and confident... think about it this way... most arrogant people are people who are insecure and lack confidence... Mendez is the total opposite...
Re: Tribute to Edison Mendez When I met Mendez (twice) he was always the nicest dude. Very down to earth and willing to talk. As for him lasting till the next world cup...I don't know. But he sure as hell isn't stepping down right now. I'd say he has a few good years left in him...look at Cafu...how old was he when he retired from the Brazilian NT?
Re: Tribute to Edison Mendez It really doesn't make sense debating whether or not Mendez still deserves to be on NT team 2,3,4 yrs from now. If Ecuador played a game today he deserves a call up. But when the next cycle starts up in 2 yrs from now, if he isn't playing well or isn't in top from then don't call him and give some other kid a chance. It really doesn't matter how well his is playing at this particular moment, but rather in whate shape and in form he is in a couple of years.
Re: Tribute to Edison Mendez agreed. If Mendez and Ayovi are in top shape at the beginning of the Qualifier I'm not gonna deny them a position in the squad. I don't think they'd even last half the Qualifier though. Maybe the first 4 games at most. If the new coach (whoever it may be) has Mendez, Ayovi, and Reasco playing I hope people don't start bashing on them next Qualifier for being slow and inefficient on the field like Espinoza and Hurtado were criticized for this time around. That wouldn't look good at all. I say Mendez, Reasco, and Ayovi should tag along at the beginning of the process and point the young ones in the right direction. Antonio Valencia=CAPTAIN
Re: Tribute to Edison Mendez I was browsing around and I caught this editorial - VERY interesting, and very much related to the point of this thread. Basically, the guy is saying there must be a reason "el otro yo" - that Mendez is often overlooked and has not been made captain of his teams. http://ww1.elcomercio.com/noticiaEC.asp?id_noticia=319076&id_seccion=9
Re: Tribute to Edison Mendez What a f*cking ridiculous editorial piece. By the time I finished reading it, I knew who wrote it based on his writing style and his tone. Didn't remember his name, but I googled it and it's the same guy who wrote another commentary last year that got me just as angry. Can't for the life of me remember what that article was about though. This guy must not have Ecuadorian blood running through his veins. Edison Mendez donating money to his foundation = donating money to himself? Who the f*ck are you, Alejandro Ribadeneira, and where is your foundation? Bill Gates has the Bill & Melinda Gates foundation. Guess whose donations make up 99% of that foundation's endowment? Yup, Bill Gates. And making and announcement to the press all of a sudden negates his nobility and good will? Go f*ck yourself. If I saw this Ribadeneira guy on the street I'd punch him in the face. (Sorry for pulling a b9d. As you can tell, he really grinds my gears.)
Re: LDU Quito Edison Mendez will be leaving Liga for Atletico Mineiro as of June when the first half of the Credife is over. Liga will get a some dough, and so will Mendez, so good for both sides. As for the team, I really wish Edison would stay because I think we can notch another Recopa, Sudamericana and put the Suruga in Quito. Our team is deep, so I know we'll still be strong, but Mendez is Mendez and he will be missed by the fans, especially me. I'm a mixed bag of emotions on this one. Good luck to Edison in June! As for now, here's to hoping we keep up the good work. Quinito Méndez a un paso de Atlético Mineiro El 7 de junio es esperado en Brasil para los chequeos médicos 2010-03-04 13:02:01 Quito-Ecuador. Una información de última hora se ha podido confirmar este jueves, hace pocos minutos del medio día. Edison “La Luz” Méndez tiene los días contados como jugador de Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito. Edison Méndez jugaría sus últimos partidos como parte de Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito en este 2010, una vez que este jueves se ha confirmado el acuerdo al que se llegó con el club interesado. Atlético Mineiro, equipo que ya cuenta con el aporte del también futbolista de nacionalidad ecuatoriana Jairo Campos, ha logrado un acuerdo para hacerse con los derechos de uno de los jugadores más talentosos del país. Esto por pedido del entrenador Vanderley Luxemburgo. Esteban Paz, dirigente del elenco Universitario, confirmó esta información hace pocos segundos, incluso se conoció varias de las cifras por las que se ha producido el principio de acuerdo con la gente de Brasil. Liga Deportiva Universitaria recibirá la suma de 400 mil dólares americanos según el acuerdo al que se ha llegado de última hora, en tanto que Méndez también recibirá una importante cifra por el paso. Además el dirigente ha señalado que Quinito partirá a finales del mes de junio hasta suelo brasileño, una vez que haya terminado el primer semestre en el Campeonato Ecuatoriano de Fútbol Copa CREDIFE 2010. Para el día 7 se espera la presencia del volante creativo para realizarse los chequeos médicos de rigor, y así proceder a la firma del contrato de trabajo. Inicialmente el mismo será por dos temporadas, con una cláusula que podría renovarlo inmediatamente por una más. Esta será la cuarta experiencia internacional para el jugador ecuatoriano, que antes ya militó en: Irapuato y Santos Laguna de México, además del PSV Eindhoven de Holanda; mientras que en el Ecuador ha defendido las divisas de: Deportivo Quito, El Nacional y Liga. (LAOH) http://www.futbolecuador.com/stories/publica/12749