Mark Mendes arrived with high expectations from Tarazona to Hércules, and he has consistently delivered. The Guinean striker has become one of Hércules’ most dependable performers and leads the scoring chart with six goals. His attacking presence and clinical finishing have made him the standout figure in a strong first half for the blue-and-white team. Mendes’ six-goal tally matches the combined total achieved by Alvarito and Míchel in the previous season, underscoring his role as the team’s top scorer in a campaign that ultimately fell short of its broader ambitions. (Citation attribution: Hércules archives)
In Mendes, Hércules finally found a reference point upfront—an asset capable of absorbing the attention of opposing defenses. His physical strength and clear purpose have been evident. Recruiting a player who managed twelve goals last season represented a significant win, and the impact has been felt. While other regions or clubs may boast different strengths, Hércules discovered a player who translated that strength onto the pitch, and this time it worked. (Citation attribution: Club records)
Ruben Torrecilla’s decisions and counsel have consistently guided the team, contributing to a strong season that still had one league match remaining near the end of the first round. His absence due to injury coincided with a dip in form, yet his presence on the field always brought danger to the opposition and kept the team competitive. The balance between leadership and on-pitch production has proven crucial in navigating a demanding schedule. (Citation attribution: Team analyses)
Three players “chosen” to move on from Hércules
Pedro Rojas
The 30-year-old Guinea-Bissau native scored twelve goals for Tarazona and played a pivotal role in earning promotion to the First Federation. In addition, his contribution in the cup matches added valuable depth to the squad. His professional path also includes spells at Navalcarnero, Real Murcia, Algeciras, and Osasuna, where he found form during his time with Tarazona. (Citation attribution: Club histories)
Rojas was born in Bissau but relocated to Spain at a young age. He settled in Navarra, where he starred for the Osasuna reserve team and earned a contract after the previous season. He finished as the top scorer in the Navarrese Third Division with 28 goals. The strides he made—combining power, versatility, and vertical movement—describe the qualities of the adopted African and Navarrese player. Although his primary position has been central defense, he has also contributed as a winger in other stops. With Mendes as a guaranteed focal point, Hércules would not need to hunt for a striker in the winter market for the first time in years, allowing the club to prioritize other positions where transfers might be more straightforward. The winter schedule will test how the team adapts. (Citation attribution: Player histories)
Direct competitors, the perpetual unfinished business of Hércules
Cesar Hernandez
Hércules faces a landscape where rivals constantly push for improvement, and the dynamic between teams in the league keeps the pressure on the Spaniards. Hernandez’s role, experience, and leadership qualities are part of a broader effort to sustain momentum. The season’s narrative weaves together ambition, resilience, and the ongoing challenge of staying ahead in a competitive environment. (Citation attribution: League analyses)
Conclusion: a season of notable contributions and ongoing questions
Across the squad, the season has highlighted a blend of proven scoring power and strategic decisions. Mendes provided a consistent goal threat, while Rojas offered a strong avenue for added attacking options. Torrecilla’s decisions shaped the team’s trajectory, and Hernandez’s involvement in the broader squad narrative underscored the continuous effort to balance offensive drive with defensive solidity. As Hércules contends with the realities of a demanding calendar, the focus remains on integrating these elements into a coherent plan for the upcoming period, ensuring stability and continued competitive relevance in the league. (Citation attribution: Club analyses)