Mendez is one of Ecuador's main attacking talents, with a wide range of passing and an eye for goal from his midfield berth. Can feature anywhere across the middle of the field and now plays his club football for LDU Quito, having tried his luck in Mexico with Santos Laguna and Irapuato. Scored five times in qualifying and also netted the winning goal in the 1-0 victory over Croatia four years ago that ensured Ecuador left Japan and South Korea with their heads held high. Made his international debut in 2000 against Honduras and is one of his country's key performers.