“Unfortunately”- South American media deliver verdict on Kendry Paez’s River Plate debut | OneFootball

Kendry Paez made his River Plate debut in a 1-0 defeat to Argentinos Juniors and the South American media have given their verdict on his performance.

Chelsea signed Paez as a 16-year-old from Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle in 2023 for around €20m, but he’s yet to make his debut.

The Blues sent Paez on loan to Strasbourg last summer for the next stage in his development and for his first exposure to European football.

Kendry Paez makes River Plate debut

However, things didn’t go to plan in France, and the Ecuador international scored once in 21 appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit.

There were questions about Paez and his lifestyle, and Chelsea took the decision to recall the 18-year-old in January.

Paez made his River Plate debut on Thursday evening. (Photo by Rodrigo Valle/Getty Images)

Paez was then sent on loan to River Plate, where the Blues will be hoping he can rediscover his best form, and he’s already made his debut.

The teenager came on as a second half substitute with 20 minutes remaining, and the South American media have given their verdict.

La Pagina Millonaria said the following about his debut:

“He made his debut in the midst of a very unfavourable context. He touched only five balls, three of them ended up in the opponent. Impossible to analyse, it would be unfair.”

Ecuadorian publication Órbita Deportiva, defended his performance and said:

“Unfortunately, Paez entered at a complicated moment, with River without ideas and appealing mainly to the ball. In addition, his team ended up playing with ten men due to Portillo’s injury.

“The Ecuadorian midfielder contributed little in the minutes he was on the field, so he had a bittersweet debut with the River shirt.”

Andrey Santos continues to impress

Whilst Chelsea will be hoping Paez has success at River Plate, one South America who’s impressing is Andrey Santos.

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Santos spent last season at Strasbourg working under Liam Rosenior, and has certainly benefitted from his arrival at Chelsea.

The Brazilian has formed a good partnership in midfield with Moises Caicedo, and given the absence of Romeo Lavia has taken on a crucial role in the team, which Chelsea hope will continue.