Rodrigo Mendoza is considered one of the gems of the Elche CF academy. In recent matches against Oviedo and Mirandés, the young midfielder from Murcia earned the opportunity to start in the lineup for the first time this season, marking a notable milestone as he finally avoided a clash with the senior squad. He has become a recognized member of the Elche squad, showing depth in the midfield pool.
His last two performances drew attention from managers overseeing the club’s youth categories, signaling growing confidence in his abilities.
Rodrigo Mendoza Eyes a Regular Place in Elche’s First Team
Franjiverde’s youth product previously represented Spain at the under-17 and under-18 levels. In the Algarve International Tournament, he contributed to Spain’s success under the guidance of Julen Guerrero. At the under-18 level, alongside players such as Pablo Amo, the coaching team began monitoring his development closely. He joined the squad in 2022 for the IV Nations Tournament in Turkey, where Spain faced Portugal, Türkiye, and Romania. Mendoza stepped onto the field and found the back of the net in the 135th minute, making his mark on the international stage.
Rodrigo Mendoza Earns Call-Up to Spain’s Under-18 Team
After a season hampered by injuries but punctuated by resilience, the youngster established himself as a regular choice in the national youth setup. In LaLiga Hypermotion, he logged six league appearances with 241 minutes. He also featured in the Copa del Rey during the first two rounds, facing Europa and Linares. Mendoza started both matches and found the net against Catalan opponents, underscoring his growing influence on big occasions.
Spanish football authorities recognized the potential shown by Mendoza. Following the match at Carlos Tartiere, officials overseeing the youth categories reached out to the Franjiverde grassroots program to request footage of Mendoza’s performance against Oviedo. They closely reviewed his development from the Mirandés clash the prior Tuesday, noting the progress he demonstrated in competitive environments. This attention reflects the federation’s interest in guiding promising players from the academy toward higher levels of play.
After making his debut with the Spanish under-17 squad, Mendoza drew interest from leading clubs in Spanish football. His early performances for the youth team highlighted his potential, and if he continues his current trajectory, he could soon be in line for consideration by the under-19 coaching staff under José Laná. Elche has extended his contract through 2025, a sign of the club’s belief in his long-term development and contribution to the first team’s ambitions.
Elche Extends Rodrigo Mendoza’s Contract for Three More Years
Spain under 17 team
Spain’s under-17 squad included Mendoza among a wider group of prospects who trained with the national team during a recent concentration at Alfaz del Pi. Other Elche youth players in the same setup, such as goalkeeper Owen Bosch and midfielders Juan Carlos Murcia and David Charcos, were also part of the training camp, reflecting the club’s growing pipeline into national teams.
Reward for the Great Season of the Elche Quarry
A genuine reflection of the solid work that Franjiverde’s youth structure has delivered for the club’s quarry in recent seasons. The steady flow of talent from the academy into competitive junior and senior football demonstrates Elche’s commitment to developing players from within, with Mendoza emerging as a tangible example of the success story now reaching the first team level. The club’s approach combines local talent development with structured paths to the senior squad, ensuring a sustainable model for continued growth and on-field success. (RFEF)