A talented prodigy from South America always attracts world football’s attention. From the 1950s, when Pele rose to global fame, the continent has provided some of the best players who rose to fame at a very young age. The trend has continued in this generation, with several youngsters such as Real Madrid-bound Endrick Felipe, Palmeiras’ Luis Guilherme, and Athletico Paranaense’s Vitor Roque making their mark in their teens. Now Columbian sensation Kendry Paez looks likely to join the list.
The 15-year-old who plays in the central midfield is rated as one of the best young players in the world. His brilliant performances have now attracted the interest of clubs across the Atlantic Ocean who are in a race to add him to their youth ranks.
In recent years Ecuador has produced some exciting players such as Piero Hincapie, who plays for Bayer Leverkusen; Gonzalo Plata, who plays for Real Valladolid; and Pervis Estupinan who plays for Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League.
So, who is Kendry Paez, and how good is he?
How good is Kendry Paez?
Born on May 4, 2007, in Guayaquil, a city on the Pacific Coast, Kendry Paez started playing football at a young age in school. However, he only started playing for a club when he turned 11 when Independiente del Valle, his current club, added him to the ranks.
He was initiated into the under-15s, and since then, he has also played under-17s and under-19s. His performances were so brilliant that Independiente del Valle also sent him to international tournaments such as the Copa Milo (under-18s), Adidas Cup (under-16s), and Salzburg Next Generation Trophy (under-15s).
And Kendry Paez has shone in all tournaments starring for his club. In the Next Generation Trophy, he was even voted the Player of the Tournament. He also averages close to one goal per match despite playing in a central midfield position.
He has been hailed as the best player to come out of the country, a bold statement, but it does have some valid backing.
🇪🇨 – Kendry Paez
Posição [ Meia Atacante ]
Pé Preferido [ Esquerdo]
Clube [ independinte Del Valle ] pic.twitter.com/FgemDAuzKt
— NeguindoSoccerEdition (@NeguindoSoccerE) January…
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