Alex Mendez @ FC Vizela

A bit of context:



ALEX MENDEZ #21
PLAYER PROFILE
Year of Birth: 2000 (September 6, 2000 according to LAG2)
Position: Midfielder
Hometown: Los Angeles , CA
Nationality: United States

Turns 18 soon, so can sign in Europe.

I assume this is his USSF profile, but the DOB is different:

https://www.ussoccer.com/players/m/alex-mendez#tab-1

 

I’d say that would be a big loss for the Galaxy, but they’ll probably never play him anyway. I’d really like this move. He’s been the red headed stepchild of this trio and I still think he could turn into the best pro.

If they can get him to be a little more aggressive with runs into the 18, as well as get him to move off the ball more, he could be a very good player.

 

Looks like, based off IG, @aleexm21 was at Köln today, not sure if trial or what...? pic.twitter.com/zhP9m0InwF

— Bundimericans (@bundimericans) July 31, 2018

 

This tweet from @USAprospects on Twitter makes it seem like he is definitely moving, the question is just where. His birthday is September 6th:

Mendez is moving abroad and Uly might follow. Don't blame them. As your initial question points out, how in the world do they think they'll get first team minutes if Efra can't crack the lineup?

— Joey (@USAprospects) August 29, 2018

 

Hearing Uly Llanez has agreed a deal to sign with Wolfsburg and Alex Mendez has agreed a deal with Freiburg. Both LA Galaxy Academy products who turned down good offers with the club to go to Germany

— keith costigan (@KeithCostigan) October 5, 2018

 

Happy to announce that I have signed my first contract with @scfreiburg. I want to give a big thank you to my family, coaches, friends, and teammates that have helped and supported me throughout this process. It’s only the beginning 🙇🏽‍♂️💭 pic.twitter.com/JhG3hVarLh

— Alex Mendez (@aleexm21) October 24, 2018

 

A conversation with Alex Mendez from U.S. U-20 World Cup qualifying camp in Florida.

For Soccer America

 

Alex Mendez (#8, green cleats) was the best player on the field for the U.S. U20s vs. Puerto Rico. He was composed, strong, accurate, and technical. Have a look for yourself: pic.twitter.com/SEeEA6DY1A

— Joseph Lowery (@joeclowery) November 2, 2018

 

Surprised this hasn't been posted here yet, but here's an audio interview with Alex from this week.

He mentions how Freiburg coaches were watching his USL games and were impressed at how he played against Las Vegas Lights and Sounders 2.

That blows my mind for 2 reasons...

1. I usually assume that guys are primarily and only being scouted through their time with the NT if they're not playing with the first team. That's just the way it's been in the past. It's awesome to know that scouts/coaches in the Bundesliga are tuning in and watching USL.

2. It's hilarious to think of some professional guy in Germany watching a Las Vegas Lights game on an iPad.

 

Why not, though? An ESPN+ subscription is only 5$ a month and you can get a location spoofing VPN for practically free. It's probably easier to find USL games than a lot of lower European leagues.

 

The weight of that pass at 1:13 in the video is incredible. He knows that ball is on before he has possession, then he waits patiently and he lays out in front of the left back through a tiny window in space and time. Beautiful.

I've been super-impressed with him. It's hard to tell much from playing competition in the current CONCACAF tournament, but I have high expectations for him in the next games as the US face the better squads.

 

It is funny, but I think that's how all the staff and players consume most of their clips. Pretty sure the bigger clubs have video staffs dedicated to delivering individualized game prep clips of their own players and opponents.

I've heard Klopp mention several times that he gets his scouting reports and prospect videos on his iPad, and that's how he evaluates potential signings.

So, thanks to youtube, we BS'ers are practically just like the pros!

 

Imagine Klopp watching "Christian 'WONDER BOY' Pulisic | Despacito REMIX | BVB | !Skills & Goals! ● 2017/2018 HD 1080p" on youtube.

 

The interview, for those that didn't listen, mentioned that he will be eligible to play for the u19s in January.

 

I GIF'd a bunch of his performance against Costa Rica: https://medium.com/@adambelz/alex-m...er-of-the-tournament-for-the-u-s-e1ca59a50120

The upshot is that in addition to his amazing left foot and eye for the killer pass, Mendez brings a lot of short-range creative energy to the middle of the field and builds rhythm for his side. His weakness is defending. Included a couple GIFs of him getting dribbled past far too easily. Freiburg will be a good place to work on that part of his game.

 

Mendez hasn't "closed the door" on playing for Mexico, though he hasn't been contacted by them since U17 days, according to Goal.com.

 

Which, by the way, is slightly different from what he told me earlier in camp.

 

I think he is saying the same thing, just in different words.

 

Profile:

https://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/la-sp-soccer-baxter-20181124-story.html

 

Any update? Based on all the hype he should be on the Sargent path

 

Freiburg's U19's next match is Feb 3

 

1) the Sargent path is anything but typical for a new professional, even a very talented one, and

2) Sargent is physically mature for his age. He’s got legs like tree trunks. Most teenagers still have a physical disadvantage against men