{"id":1414365,"date":"2025-11-28T10:42:01","date_gmt":"2025-11-28T10:42:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=features&#038;p=1414365"},"modified":"2025-11-28T10:42:01","modified_gmt":"2025-11-28T10:42:01","slug":"tactical-analysis-rodrigo-mendoza-arsenal-transfer","status":"publish","type":"features","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-rodrigo-mendoza-arsenal-transfer\/","title":{"rendered":"Rodrigo Mendoza analysis: The Elche starlet wanted by Arsenal who has been compared to Pedri"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/stats\/clubs\/arsenal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Arsenal\u2019s<\/a> summer transfer window was one for the ages.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And it wasn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>In this article, we&#8217;ll cover:<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-who-likened-mendoza-to-pedri\" data-level=\"3\">Who likened Mendoza to Pedri?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-elche-star-shines-on-and-off-the-ball\" data-level=\"3\">Elche star shines on and off the ball<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-strength-in-depth-would-boost-silverware-chances\" data-level=\"3\">Strength in depth would boost silverware chances<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In defence, Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera have excelled when called upon. It\u2019s hardly a surprise they sit top of the Premier League and Champions League. Arsenal, though, aren\u2019t resting on their laurels. There is always an area to improve upon. Mikel Arteta\u2019s men can ill-afford to sit still, content with their immediate success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-who-likened-mendoza-to-pedri\">Who likened Mendoza to Pedri?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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: \u201cRodrigo Mendoza.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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?<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"article-page__title\">Dabble sign-up offer: <b data-stringify-type=\"bold\">Bet \u00a310+ &amp; Receive \u00a310 In Free Bets<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p><strong>Not signed up to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/dabble-sign-up-offer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dabble<\/a> yet? Here's how to claim the <b data-stringify-type=\"bold\">Bet \u00a310+ &amp; Receive \u00a310 In Free Bets<\/b> welcome offer:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<ol>\r\n<li>Sign up to Dabble through this <a href=\"\/en\/go\/dabble?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\">link<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li>Register your account with accurate personal details<\/li>\r\n<li>Place your first bet of \u00a310 or more<\/li>\r\n<li>Receive your \u00a310 in free bets when your qualifying bet has setted<\/li>\r\n<li>Use your Free Bet on any eligible sportsbook market within 7 days<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p><a href=\"\/en\/go\/dabble?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1423518 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-300x250.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"250\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-300x250.png 300w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-320x267.png 320w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-240x200.png 240w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-72x60.png 72w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-150x125.png 150w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-40x33.png 40w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822.png 712w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\r\n<p>#AD 18+ 7-day free bet expiry. Stake not returned. Promotional Terms Apply.\u00a0<a class=\"c-link\" href=\"http:\/\/gambleaware.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-stringify-link=\"http:\/\/GambleAware.org\" data-sk=\"tooltip_parent\">GambleAware.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each midfielder in Arteta\u2019s 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 &#8211; Mendoza could effectively cover these three midfield roles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-elche-star-shines-on-and-off-the-ball\">Elche star shines on and off the ball<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>That said, with no midfielder quite like Rice, and Christian Norgaard offering cover for Zubimendi, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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).<\/p>\n\n\n<div class='vccm vccm-compare'data-compare=\"8YXLhS6aBAVaMAQdF0oXw\" data-show-sponsor=\"false\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-strength-in-depth-would-boost-silverware-chances\">Strength in depth would boost silverware chances<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019t be a shock for that to change in the foreseeable future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Gunners are in a unique position heading towards the winter in that they don\u2019t <em>need <\/em>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mendoza would provide real strength in depth in a vital area. Additionally, there is untapped potential for Arteta to work with. We\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/\"><strong>Latest football news<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Football betting tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Best betting sites<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/best-free-bet-offers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Best free bet offers<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/accumulator\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Football accumulator tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Arsenal\u2019s summer transfer window was one for the ages. And it wasn\u2019t 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&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3564,"featured_media":1414366,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"","_yoast_wpseo_title":"","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Linked to Arsenal and compared to Pedri, Rodrigo Mendoza is becoming one of Spain\u2019s most exciting prospects. Find out how he could fit into Arteta\u2019s squad this season with a January move on the cards.","footnotes":""},"tags":[],"features-category":[],"squawka-category":[],"class_list":["post-1414365","features","type-features","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":{"external_featured_image_url":"","hide_featured_image_pattern":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.1 (Yoast SEO v27.1.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Rodrigo Mendoza analysis: The Elche starlet wanted by Arsenal who has been compared to Pedri | Squawka | EN<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Linked to Arsenal and compared to Pedri, Rodrigo Mendoza is becoming one of Spain\u2019s most exciting prospects. Find out how he could fit into Arteta\u2019s squad this season with a January move on the cards.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-rodrigo-mendoza-arsenal-transfer\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Rodrigo Mendoza analysis: The Elche starlet wanted by Arsenal who has been compared to Pedri\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Linked to Arsenal and compared to Pedri, Rodrigo Mendoza is becoming one of Spain\u2019s most exciting prospects. Find out how he could fit into Arteta\u2019s squad this season with a January move on the cards.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-rodrigo-mendoza-arsenal-transfer\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Squawka | EN\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SquawkaFootballNews\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/28102943\/3D2RAB3-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1707\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@squawka\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"NewsArticle\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-rodrigo-mendoza-arsenal-transfer\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-rodrigo-mendoza-arsenal-transfer\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Ben McAleer\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/d83177c024444113f28c89f65fde90b4\"},\"headline\":\"Rodrigo Mendoza analysis: The Elche starlet wanted by Arsenal who has been compared to Pedri\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-28T10:42:01+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-rodrigo-mendoza-arsenal-transfer\/\"},\"wordCount\":818,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-rodrigo-mendoza-arsenal-transfer\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/28102943\/3D2RAB3-scaled.jpg\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"accessibilityFeature\":[\"tableOfContents\"]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-rodrigo-mendoza-arsenal-transfer\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-rodrigo-mendoza-arsenal-transfer\/\",\"name\":\"Rodrigo Mendoza analysis: The Elche starlet wanted by Arsenal who has been compared to Pedri | Squawka | EN\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-rodrigo-mendoza-arsenal-transfer\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-rodrigo-mendoza-arsenal-transfer\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/28102943\/3D2RAB3-scaled.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-28T10:42:01+00:00\",\"description\":\"Linked to Arsenal and compared to Pedri, Rodrigo Mendoza is becoming one of Spain\u2019s most exciting prospects. 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Rodrigo Mendoza of Elche CF during the La Liga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Elche CF played at Lluis Companys Stadium on November 2, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. 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Find out how he could fit into Arteta\u2019s squad this season with a January move on the cards.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-rodrigo-mendoza-arsenal-transfer\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-rodrigo-mendoza-arsenal-transfer\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-rodrigo-mendoza-arsenal-transfer\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/28102943\/3D2RAB3-scaled.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/28102943\/3D2RAB3-scaled.jpg","width":2560,"height":1707,"caption":"3D2RAB3 Barcelona, Spain. 03rd Nov, 2025. Rodrigo Mendoza of Elche CF during the La Liga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Elche CF played at Lluis Companys Stadium on November 2, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. 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