From Villarreal’s Player Development Program to an international call-up
Villarreal CF Player Development Program graduate Marlon Menjivar has been called up to the El Salvador U23 squad ahead of the 2020 Olympic games.
The 20-year-old winger has received the call to represent his national side at U23 level for the first time after a hugely impressive season in Spain.
Menjivar formed part of the Villarreal CF Player Development Program, and as part of that, trained regularly with both Villarreal CF coaches and at a Villarreal CF affiliate team, CD Roda, who play in Tercera División.
Menjivar made his debut in Tercera during the 2018/19 season and credits the Villarreal CF Player Development Program with taking his game to the next level.
“The Player Development Program has really helped me to develop more as a player and a person,” he said.
“It’s made it a lot easier to confront challenges, like playing with teams at higher levels that I previously did and making my debut in Tercera División.
“All of the work I have been doing with the Player Development Program has led me to these great moments, first with Roda and then getting a call-up to the U23s for my country.”
Menjivar’s success isn’t the only good news Player Development Program graduates have received in recent weeks, with Freddy Rodriguez Jr, also a 2019 graduate, training with DC United U23s, with the possibility of joining the USL, or even the MLS side.
Rodriguez recognised the role that Villarreal’s Player Development Program has played in him getting into DC United, saying: “When I had first got to Spain to to now, I see a big difference in myself, how I see the game now and play it, thanks to the PDP.”
For more information on the Player Development Program, visit www.villarrealcf.com/experiences or contact international@villarrealcf.es.
