Angel Arismendiz is one of the best players from the Chicago, Illinois area in the Class of 2020.
The 5-foot-11, 150-pound Arismendiz, who attends George Washington, is a dynamic player that works as a forward.
Arismendiz plays for the Indiana Elite FC and was previously with the Chicago Magic.
No matter the opponent, every match Arismendiz is determined to give it his all.
Arismendiz is going all out.
The motor is always at full throttle whenever Arismendiz steps between the lines.
“My mindset is to get the ball in the net,” Arismendiz said. “Doesn’t matter if I score or assist as a forward we’re the guys that the team expects goals from so it’s key we do exactly that, at times it can be a beautiful goal or scrappy but as long as it’s a goal it doesn’t matter.”
Arismendiz has great passion and energy whenever he’s on the field. Arismendiz tells why he enjoys the game of soccer so much.
“I love all aspects of the game from practice to the actual game. It brings my life at peace once I’m on a field,” Arismendiz said. “I can do things on the ball that makes me happy. When I’m running with the ball it feels like nothing else matters just my team and I enjoying playing.
Arismendiz has learned many valuable lessons from playing soccer that he applies to his everyday life.
The main one is applying perspective to all situations.
“Soccer has taught me core values that will be essential towards my future, such as being responsible in all aspects of the game,” Arismendiz said. “My organization skills have gotten better since I don’t have my parents on trips to other states to play. To be respectful at any moment, as well as to work as hard as possible.”
Arismendiz recalls his favorite soccer memory.
“My favorite memory of playing has to be winning the second state cup title with Indiana Elite,” Arismendiz said. “As a team we proved that we’re capable of winning it in 2017, but coming into the 2018 season we knew we had to do it again. It was to prove a point and we sure did, the road wasn’t easy but winning it the second time in a row was the best.”
Novi Marojevic has been Arismendiz’s coach for the Indiana Elite for the last three years.
Marojevic explains the best parts of Arismendiz’s game.
“Angel is able play numerous positions on the pitch but his best position is forward,” Marojevic said. “He is a very skillful player. He’s the kind of player who can change the game any moment. He’s very confident, smart, quick, fast and strong. He’s definitely a player that every team has difficulty marking.”
Arismendiz takes his role as one of the leaders on the team very seriously. Arismendiz makes sure he’s a daily positive influence on his peers.
“I feel I motivate my other teammates through my work ethic. By always training and working on my game, they can see that and pick it up as well. Going to all the practices possible helps bring the guys out when as we break the habits of not wanting to practice I feel like it’s my way of being a good teammate,” Arismendiz said. “I tell my teammates talent is only going to get us so far, but through hard work and dedication the limits are endless.”
Marojevic adds that Arismendiz is one of those consummate teammates that every squad needs to be successful.
“He is a very disciplined kid on the field and off as well,” Marojevic said. “He is positive with teammates and is truly a leader.”
Arismendiz is appreciative of having amazing male role models that are supportive.
“Coach Novi has taught me more than I could ever imagine the past three years. As a coach he’s developed my game so much, through my movement and awareness of the goal and field to my technical ability, it has grown so much thanks to him. As a person, he’s just a caring guy. He has values that any young man would want to have, and that grows on you the more you stay with him. The dedication to the game, to being responsible when you’re not playing, to just being a respectful person to all. He’s another father figure in my life,” Arismendiz said. “Best advice I’ve gotten is: ‘You’re good but remember there’s hundreds of other guys who are trying to do the same, so what are you going to do to separate yourself from them?’”
Marojevic is an advocate of Arismendiz’s capabilities.
“Angel proved so many times that he is the player who can take the game to the next level,” Marojevic said. “He’s a very smooth player technically, very dangerous taking the player on. He’s a complete forward who has all the abilities to play at a high level of the game.”
In addition to making clutch plays, Arismendiz also has a high level of soccer IQ as well.
Arismendiz has excellent awareness that puts him in position to thrive.
“He is a very intelligent player with good vision on the field, great dribbling abilities and great scoring abilities as well,” Marojevic said.
Arismendiz is on the grind to perfect and hone his craft in any way possible.
“Not many players at his position will put that much effort in both directions, offensively and defensively. He is a very, very, very, hard working player,” Marojevic said. “He has amazing work ethic. That’s why so many D1 colleges would love to have Angel in their programs.”
Arismendiz greatly admires this standout.
“I’ve really never had a pro player to look up to as I’ve always wanted to be me but a player I’ve taken notice at has been Marcus Rashford,” Arismendiz said. “Jokingly my teammates call me that but then they also explain why our playing styles are similar as he like to run at defenders, good on one-on-ones, and can score or assist as well.”
Arismendiz is constantly striving for greatness in everything that he does.
“My goal on the field is to one day try to become a pro as well as get a college education while playing at a high level, but if that doesn’t work out I’d definitely want to give back to where I came from as a teacher,” Arismendiz said.
Arismendiz lists history as his favorite subject in school.
“I love learning about the past, it’s amazing to see the way things have developed,” Arismendiz said. “History is so broad it’s almost feels never endless and I love it.”
Marojevic believes Arismendiz is determined take his game to the next level.
“I’m not sure he has any weaknesses in his game,” Marojevic said. “He is a very unique player. So often he’ll score or create goal opportunities for someone else.”
Marojevic believes the sky is the limit as long as Arismendiz continues to stay hungry.
“It’s been my pleasure to work with and coach him because of the caliber of person he is,” Marojevic said. “It has been an amazing experience from day one. He is a player who can play D1 or on a pro level club here or overseas.”
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