Kendry Paez comp for Ecuador vs Chile goes viral, Chelsea have one of the most frightening youngsters in world football

Chelsea fans believe they have one of the most exciting youngsters in the world on their books after seeing Kendry Paez star for Ecuador against Chile.

The Blues signed the starlet in June 2023 on an arrangement which will see Paez join up with them after his 18th birthday.

He will therefore remain with Independiente del Valle until then but the 16-year-old is already tearing up the international stage.

In September, Paez made his debut for the Ecuador senior squad and registered an assist for the winning goal.

A month later and the wonderkid became the youngest ever South American goalscorer in World Cup qualifying aged 16 years and 161 days when he netted against Bolivia.

His latest appearance for his country came in a 1-0 win against Chile and Chelsea fans got very excited.

Paez started in the No.10 position and was Ecuador's main creative source. His dribbling ability and quality on the ball was evident from the off.

It was his powerful left-foot strike from distance which resulted in Angel Mena scoring the only goal of the game in the first half.

But he looked utterly unplayable whenever he was in possession, slaloming past players with ease and playing with a serious swagger for someone who is still a long way off legal drinking age.

Chelsea won't have him in their ranks for another two years but their supporters could not contain their excitement on social media - with some even tipping him to win the Ballon d'Or one day.

One stated: "We might have a Ballon D'Or winning star tbh."

A second commented: "Blud is 16 and plays like he’s a 32yo experienced world class midfielder."

Another user added: "Boy is a high calibre gem man. Some actions are beyond his age suggest. What the hell."

A fourth proclaimed: "The future of Chelsea Football Club."

A final person predicted: "Kendry Paez will win the Ballon d'Or if he's surrounded with the right ballers."

Chelsea are said to have forked out £17 million for Paez but it might just prove to be a bargain.

Featured Image Credit: Vivo Sports

Topics: Chelsea, Ecuador, Chile, Fan Reactions

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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