Rodrigo Mendoza is emerging as a key figure in Elche CF’s youth setup, making waves in the LaLiga Hypermotion framework for the second division. The Franjiverde academy has watched him grow, earning a spot on the A team and proving his confidence and quality in recent fixtures.
International exposure in 2017 and 2018
Rodrigo Mendoza is a rising talent from the Murcia region who has long chased the dream. He represented Spain at the under-17 and under-18 levels and drew attention from the technical staff thanks to his minutes for Elche and his inclusion in the team’s starting XI. The Royal Spanish Football Federation noted his progress, and he received a call-up to the under-19s this January, featuring in a friendly match. The pathway marked him as a player to watch for future national involvement.
Rodrigo Mendoza: a memorable moment on the goal line
JA Galvan
Call to 24 players
This selection round for the Spain under-19 squad featured a concentration and a pair of friendlies. The coaching staff set the schedule for upcoming matches, while the squad pool was shaped to test younger talents on the international stage as they prepared for February fixtures.
Rodrigo Mendoza is slated to feature in a February clash against Eibar, with preparations underway for the Costa Blanca-based concentration that will accompany the under-19 setup on the following days.
José Lana’s 24-man list for the friendly window
Bilbao Athletics Club: Peio Channels
Atlético de Madrid: Rayane Belaid, Javier Boñar and Julio Díaz
Atlético Madrid: Daniel Muñoz
Barcelona: Sergi Dominguez
Betis: Jesus Rodriguez
Elche: Rodrigo Mendoza
Deportivo de La Coruña: Kevin Sánchez and David Mella
Spanish: Miguel Carvalho
I grew up: Carlos Espí and Álvaro Moreno
Manchester City: Mahamadou Susoho
Rayo Majadahonda: Daniel Martin
Real Madrid: Cristian David Perea, Francisco Javier González, Daniel Mesonero and Jacobo Ramón
Sport Gijon: Alejandro Lozano
Valencia: Yarek Gasiorowski
Villarreal: Gerard Hernández, Pau Navarro and Pau Cabanes
— Call to the Under-19 squad for two friendly matches against Norway.
February dates and venues were announced for a pair of matches, with the games scheduled at the Guillermo Amor Stadium in Benidorm.
Nordin, Adam and Alic with Morocco
Rodrigo Mendoza is not alone in drawing international attention from Elche’s youth ranks. Adem Boyar and Ali Huary have recently been involved with Morocco at the under-20 level, and the North African side also summoned their forward for youth duty. In Spain, Onur Nordin Al Lal Milud has trained with the A team, while Sebastián Beccacece oversees the development pathway.
Juan Carlos Murcia and Dani Chuecos have been part of Spain’s U17 setup, continuing a trend of Elche youth players gaining international exposure.
Every youth milestone is celebrated as a sign of progress, underscoring Elche’s growing depth across its academy and hinting at a promising future for the club’s local talents on the international stage.
Juan Carlos Murcia and Dani Chuecos
Two Franjiverde youths, Juan Carlos Murcia and Dani Chuecos, are set to compete in Portugal with Spain’s under-17 side, taking part in the Algarve tournament. The Elche academy continues to rack up positive headlines this season as both first-team candidates and academy prospects excel across age groups.
The club’s youth system headlines a season of strong performances, with a clear take-home message: the pipeline to higher levels remains active and productive for Elche CF.