Kendry Páez - Ecuador’s Generational Talent
Discover why the Chelsea-bound record-breaking wonderkid is one of the most exciting players in South America in our latest scouting profile.
The rush to unearth the next superstar is more intense than ever and Europe’s top clubs leave no stone unturned in their efforts to discover them. South America has proven a fertile environment over the years but ordinarily via the hotbeds of Brazil and Argentina. Palmeiras prodigy Endrick’s impending move to Real Madrid evidence that not much has changed in that regard and yet arguably the continent’s other biggest prospect hails from Guayaquil, Ecuador.
Despite only turning 17 earlier this month, the jewel already has a $20 million transfer to Chelsea sealed and even at such a tender age seems to have been on the radar for quite some time.
And it isn’t only carrying the ball where Páez showcases his potential to be an elite playmaker. His passing is also incisive, something which highlights not only that technical ability but also his vision and understanding. Top ten for through balls per 90 (1.17) and third for accuracy (66.67%), much like with his dribbling, Páez is equally positive in his pass selection.
Taking risks to create opportunities, almost a third of Páez’s passes are forward, with 5.84 to the final third and 2.73 to the penalty area, and impressively the drop off in accuracy is minimal. Over 84% accuracy into the final third, 100% from his six smart passes, the teenager among the highest ranking players in almost all the creative passing metrics in Liga Pro for 2024.
This allows Páez to play in a variety of positions - ordinarily coming off the right to make use of his favoured left foot but equally able to play centrally as a number ten or a second striker, capable off the left flank and with those deep runs possibly even as an eight in a midfield.
This is arguably more of a possibility due to the physique of the teenager. Unlike the stereotypical, diminutive South American playmaker, Páez is already 177cm (around 5 feet 10 inches) and though a little light in frame presently, may well bulk up over the coming years as he develops physically.
Yet despite being the ‘golden boy’ there is industry too. Like any teenager there can at times be signs of frustration but Páez carries out instructions and presses with intensity from the front. 5.97 recoveries in the opposition half and 2.19 in the final third are figures which have room for improvement but demonstrate many of the qualities top European clubs would be looking for.
Former manager Martín Anselmi, who gave Páez his debut certainly never had any issues, said, “In Kendry we find someone daring. A boy who asks for it. He is 15 years old and he doesn't care who is in front of him, and he asks for it. He is different type of player. It’s the first time that I have seen such a small boy with that...'Well, let's see, what are you made of', and he shows you, he challenges you.”
What is true is that Páez has stepped up to every level so far. From youth football to the first team, from continental cup competition to international football, no step seems too far. There is a belief in the player that he can go all the way to the top and for most who have watched the teenager it is a feeling that is likely shared.