Arsenal’s summer transfer window was one for the ages.
And it wasn’t because of the number of players they signed. Rather, it was the manner of the window itself. The Gunners identified areas in need of improvement and strengthened accordingly. Viktor Gyokeres was the striker they have been crying out for. Noni Madueke provides top-level cover for Bukayo Saka on the right. Eberechi Eze and Martin Zubimendi have bolstered the midfield.
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In defence, Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera have excelled when called upon. It’s hardly a surprise they sit top of the Premier League and Champions League. Arsenal, though, aren’t resting on their laurels. There is always an area to improve upon. Mikel Arteta’s men can ill-afford to sit still, content with their immediate success.
With the January transfer window fast approaching, teams will take the chance to strengthen. Following a hefty summer splurge, Arsenal may resist the urge to delve into the market once more. However, if there is an opportunity to improve, then it is one the north London side will surely grab.
Who likened Mendoza to Pedri?
Which brings us to Rodrigo Mendoza. The Elche midfielder has been linked with a Premier League switch. Manchester City have been credited with an interest, as have Arsenal. La Liga leaders Real Madrid are also monitoring the 20-year-old. The player himself has been likened to Barcelona star Pedri. When asked about a current player that plays like him, Pedri replied: “Rodrigo Mendoza.”
The comparison is not without reason. Pedri is a master of reading the game and finding pockets of space in midfield. Mendoza does so similarly, though remains a work in progress. Even so, the youngster has caught the eye for an Elche side sat in mid-table. So why do Arsenal want Mendoza?
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Aside from the obvious Pedri links, Mendoza is a versatile operator in the middle of the park. Arteta is known to favour his multi-faceted players, namely in that the full-backs able to play at centre-back. Similarly, Mendoza can cover a number of roles in midfield.
Each midfielder in Arteta’s favoured 4-3-3 setup has a set role. Zubimendi is the holder. Declan Rice is the box-to-box eight from the left. Eze and captain Martin Odegaard are the right-sided 10s to link up with Saka. In truth – Mendoza could effectively cover these three midfield roles.
Elche star shines on and off the ball
That said, with no midfielder quite like Rice, and Christian Norgaard offering cover for Zubimendi, it’s on the right side of the three where Mendoza would fit best. The youngster offers the requisite drive from the midfield to help pry apart defences. Indeed, 1.9 take ons completed per 90 is more than both Eze (1.6) and Odegaard (1.4) this season.
A 52.38% success rate may be the lowest of the trio, but when you are attempting a higher number of take ons; a lower success rate is to be expected. Additionally, Mendoza would be able to provide the creative thrust from deep in the same vein as Odegaard. Both players are creating 1.4 chances per 90 this season, an increase on Eze (0.5).
Off the ball, too, Mendoza shines, much in the same way as Pedri. Odegaard (1.4) may lead the way for tackles per 90, but the Elche man isn’t far behind (1.2). Furthermore, the Spaniard pips the Gunners pair for both ground duels won (4.4) and ball recoveries per 90 (5). Not only does Mendoza have what it takes to provide the chances, he is a tremendously hard worker out of possession, which no doubt Arteta will appreciate.
Strength in depth would boost silverware chances
And with the games coming thick and fast as Arsenal compete on multiple fronts, Arteta needs the strength in depth to challenge for major honours. Mendoza may not be a household name on these shores, yet it wouldn’t be a shock for that to change in the foreseeable future.
The Gunners are in a unique position heading towards the winter in that they don’t need to make sweeping changes. The squad is already well equipped to challenge for domestic and continental honours. That said, if a player like Mendoza does come on the market at an affordable price, then Arsenal should look to beat off competition for his services.
Mendoza would provide real strength in depth in a vital area. Additionally, there is untapped potential for Arteta to work with. We’ve seen young stars blossom into elite talents under the Arsenal boss. Maybe Mendoza really is the next Pedri. In which case, Arsenal should be all over the Elche ace.