Freiburg newcomer Alex Mendez: US Soccer's next breakout star?
There's more than just a hint of James Rodriguez about up-and-coming USA midfielder Alex Mendez, who could be coming to a Bundesliga screen near you after officially linking up with the Freiburg U19s in January 2019.
bundesliga.com profiles the next US teen looking to make it big in Germany's top flight...
Alex Mendez
Age: 18
Club: Freiburg
Position: Central midfield
Country: USA (13 U20 caps, eight goals)
Key stats
Los Angeles-born Mendez honed his craft in the LA Galaxy academy, and went on to appear 12 times for LA Galaxy II in the USL Championship - the USA's second tier - registering one goal and three assists. The 5'8" central midfielder agreed a deal to join Freiburg's U19s in October 2018, before helping the USA to the 2018 CONCACAF U20 Championship, winning the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player thanks in no small part to his eight-goal haul.
The left-footer, who previously led the LA Galaxy U18/19s to the Development Academy Championship final, capped 2018 by being named US Soccer's Young Male Player of the Year. Borussia Dortmund midfielder Christian Pulisic and Werder Bremen striker Josh Sargent - two fully fledged USA internationals who made their Bundesliga debuts as teenagers - are among the previous winners of the award.
More recently, Mendez reached the 2019 FIFA U20 World Cup quarter-finals with the USA, and already has three goals and one assist to show for his 13 outings for the Freiburg U19s.
Plays a bit like: James Rodriguez
An attacking midfielder with a wand of a left boot? Check. An eye for those eye-of-a-needle passes no one else sees? Check. A penchant for postage-stamp goals out of the very top drawer? Check. Whisper it quietly, but Mendez might just turn out to be the USA's answer to former Bayern Munich wizard James Rodriguez.
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Did you know?
Although Mendez has represented the USA at youth level, he is still eligible to play senior international football for Mexico and admits he hasn't "closed the door" despite his most recent contact with El Tri officials coming at U17s level.
If only they'd pursued him: Mendez scored both US goals against Mexico in the 2018 CONCACAF U20 Championship final.
What they're saying
"I feel like I have the same style of play as Guti. The way he saw the game. He was playing some crazy passes. Sometimes during games, I feel like I see things that other players don't." - Mendez on why he likens himself to former Real Madrid playmaker Guti
"He's a special player. He has a great engine, he has great feet and he's willing to do whatever it takes for the team. Alex is a winner." - Tab Ramos, USA U20 coach
"He's world class. He can play anywhere in the world. This kid is something special. Every time he's lining up to shoot, you just expect the ball to go in." - Curt Onalfo, former Galaxy II coach
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