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GSH Transfer Player Profiles: Alejandro Zendejas

By James Sneddon

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - OCTOBER 22: Alejandro Zendejas of America controls the ball during the semifinal second leg match between America and Toluca as part of the Torneo Apertura 2022 Liga MX at Azteca Stadium on October 22, 2022 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Mauricio Salas/Jam Media/Getty Images)
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - OCTOBER 22: Alejandro Zendejas of America controls the ball during the semifinal second leg match between America and Toluca as part of the Torneo Apertura 2022 Liga MX at Azteca Stadium on October 22, 2022 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Mauricio Salas/Jam Media/Getty Images) /
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West Ham needs a boost to its attack, especially because of the lack of creativity this season. It may take a small spark in the attack to ignite players, and Green Street Hammers writer James has suggested a player from a fairly unknown league.

Mexican midfielder Alejandro Zendejas has thrived in Liga MX over the last two years, but he has been forced to make some tough career decisions. The 24-year-old has been torn between playing international football for two countries, and this is causing him to be a talking point in the United States. However, due to his talent, it is no surprise why Gregg Berhalter plans to give Zendejas a chance in the future

West Ham should target Alejandro Zendejas
West Ham should consider a transfer for Alejandro Zendejas /

QUICK FACTS

Full Name: Alejandro Zendejas Saavedra

Age: 24

Nationality: Mexican/American

Place of Birth: Cuidad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico

Club: América

Position: Midfielder/Forward

Honours: 1x Liga MX, 1x Copa MX, 1x Supercopa MX

BIOGRAPHY

Alejandro Zendejas was born in Cuidad Juarez. He and his family moved 45 minutes North of the U.S. border to El Paso, Texas when he was young. As he grew up in the United States, he has dual Mexican-American citizenship.

Could West Ham’s attacking needs be solved by this promising Mexican midfielder?

He joined FC Dallas as a teenager and made his MLS debut in 2015 at the age of 17. One year later, he returned to his homeland to sign for Guadalajara. The move caused a personal conflict for Zendejas and his family, as he had to choose between playing for Mexico or the US. Guadalajara infamously has a “Mexican-only” policy, meaning that foreign players can’t play for the club.

He was discouraged from playing for the U.S. national team, despite playing for the States at the U17 level alongside Christian Pulisic. He made the decision to play for Mexico for the foreseeable future.

Zendejas left Guadalajara after eight appearances, moving to Necaxa in 2020. He joined Club América in 2021, scoring 12 goals in his first 40 games for the club.

STYLE OF PLAY

Zendejas can operate anywhere in the midfield’s attack line. He often switches between the wing and a false-nine position at times. Although he is a left-footed player, he prefers to play on the right and allows himself to cut into the box easily. This makes him a threat from inside the area.

He likes to feature in wider roles to enhance his dribbling ability, in which he applies great focus and concentration on the ball. He does not tend to accelerate when he is in space, but he has developed a habit of taking shots from outside the box. Shooting more frequently has helped him to score seven goals so far this season.

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It would not help Zendejas to play in a deeper or more central role, as it would restrict his movement too much. Alternatively, he could be deployed as a forward if he continues to add to his goalscoring record this season.