Alex Mendez @ FC Vizela

Mendez has large, significant holes in his game. It was evident at the World Cup, and they are still there. He does have very strong strengths BUT are they good enough to overcome his Deficiencies

 

what are his holes? Thanks.

 

The consistent half time replacements make me think that it’s pre-planned. Someone mentioned the fitness requirements at Ajax, is it possible that he’s not up to par physically yet?

 

IMO the first most glaring one is overall athleticism. He lacks top end speed, quickness, and he's small. Combine this with what can seem like a lower work rate and you get a guy that can shine at the youth level, but struggle to break in at the professional one. Other people have posted and I agree that he's a bit of a throwback player. Back when athleticism wasn't as intense, the game would belong to him a lot more.

Honestly when I was thinking about it, he has very similar challenges that say a Freddy Adu had in getting to that next level. He's also a bit one footed, but he's a lefty so that helps a bit. He's a monster at free kicks and long kicks out of the back.

As a Fulham fan, he sort of profiles roughly to a Tom Cairney if everything goes well without any intense jumps in performance.

 

Watch him play soccer. Thanks.

 

Thanks. I’ve only seen him play at the u20 tourney and quite frankly don’t remember him standing out.

 

I am still waiting for you to provide evidence to back up your claim.

 

Ratings Voetbal International YA 1-1 Helmond Sport:
Kik Pierie 6
Mendez 4.5

 

mendez without lethal deadball striking is not nearly as compelling tbh. hopefully a cold spelll now and not a hot one pre u2 world cup

 

Starts (Pynadath on the bench):

Opstelling Jong Ajax: Kotarski; Ter Heide, J. Timber, Pierie, Castillo; Gravenberch, Ekkelenkamp, Eiting; Méndez, Traoré, Kühn.

Wissels: El Maach, Kemper, Q. Timber, Taylor, Bandé, Brobbey, Thethani, Pynadath, Solomons. #telJAJ #JongAjax #AJAX pic.twitter.com/34DVNOubrx

— ajaxmuseum.NL (@ajaxmuseumNL) November 29, 2019

 

Mendez came off at halftime again. Either he's really struggling to ingratiate himself to coach, or his stamina is really poor. Either way it's not a good sign.

 

He's not getting paid by the minute - I'm sure he's fine.

 

I agree with this take, but not necessarily the physical part. The staff may just think his game is not yet mature enough for a full 90 and are working him in gradually. In addition, they always have to think about how they handle any newcomer breaking in affects their plans for other players who have already established themselves or are also trying to do so. IOW, the substitution pattern is not just about him.

 

Imho he would not continue to get starts if his talent or work ethic/fitness was not up to par. They would not be rewarding him. This has to be part of his development plan. Perhaps they want him to hear real time tactical plans on the bench?

 

Yeah his fitness has always been an issue. Playing 90' for Ajax is about as tiring as any team in the world with how they play under ten Hag. I believe he's still at 69 minutes max (and that was the match with Jong PSV where Jong Ajax had n one).

I've been critical of Mendez/Kleiben picking Ajax, but I'll give Mendez until the end of the season to play more than 69 minutes. If he's still at 60 minutes max most matches, that is a bad sign.

 

VI ratings Telstar 2-3 YA
Kik Pierie 7
Mendez 6.6

 

So I’m watching Ajax is he supposed to be Daley Blind (deep lying playmaker) or is he further forward as an 8 or 10? Where has he been playing recently.

 

More of deep lying 8 than an attack minded 10. Ajax has player out on the left wing as well.

I would love to see him and Ledezma together with a 6 like Adam's behind them.

https://www.transfermarkt.us/alex-mendez/profil/spieler/526111

 

Starts:

Wissels #JongAjax : El Maach, Ter Heide, Kemper, Taylor, Méndez, Thethani, Bandé, Solomons. #jajrod

— Ajax Showtime (@Ajaxshowtimecom) December 9, 2019

 

But of course (not )!

Edit: Wait, aren't those the substitutes (Wissels)?

 

Mendez came on at 90' to lock things down, as Ajax won 2-0 over Roda and eased into 2nd place.

Pretty clearly Mendez is being saved for the big match on Friday, at #1 Cambuur, winners of five in a row (four of those by two goals or more).

 

Looked like he came on 80' and subbed for a winger. Kinda surprised Ajax played that strong of a lineup with CL tomorrow + the injuries they have. Guess you can cross over Gravenbersch to be in the 18 for CL as well as Eiting (who has just fallen off a cliff).

 

My bad. Posted too quickly.

 

I see Mendez on the bench, Pierie starting - today v 1st place Cambuur.

The starting midfield remains: Eiting - Ekkelenkamp - Gravenberch

 

Man, I hope he is not a Daley Blind because Daley Blind sucks. IMHO.