Paez v Endrick: Chelsea kid scores wondergoal but Real Madrid prodigy prevails

Robin Bairner

• 25 Apr 2024 07:50 BST
• 3 min read

In what has been a difficult week for Chelsea, teenage sensation Kendry Paez is giving the Blues cause to believe there is a brighter future for the club around the corner.

Unfortunately for Chelsea, though, Paez remains in Ecuador with Independiente but is, at least, showing signs of developing into the world-class player the Stamford Bridge club have invested a reported €20 million in.

It will be the summer of 2025 before manager Mauricio Pochettino can get his hands on the talented teenager – assuming, of course, the Argentine boss survives that long himself.

READ MORE: Pochettino makes incredible comment about Chelsea stars after ‘SO BAD’ Arsenal lesson

The prospect of Paez arriving at Chelsea, though, is a thrilling one.

At just 16, the Ecuador international is smashing records and producing moments of brilliance that suggest he can become one of the best players in the world.

The latest of these arrived on Wednesday in the Copa Libertadores, when his Independiente side faces Palmeiras.

READ MORE: Slot to Liverpool could solve Chelsea's Pochettino problem

With 12 minutes of the game played, Paez picked up possession on the right before playing a quick one-two. Continuing his run, he exchanged passes with Cristian Zabala before dispatching a brilliant shot into the box from 25 yards out.

Paez would later assist Michael Hoyos’ strike to put the Ecuador side two clear.

Endrick sparks comeback

Palmeiras ultimately prevailed 3-2 in the game, with Endrick the catalyst to their comeback.

Shortly before the break, the future Real Madrid star ghosted into space in the box to head a perfect cross home from close range. The timing of his run was impeccable, displaying the type of instincts that Los Blancos spent €60m to secure.

Palmeiras’ strength from the bench told as Lazaro and Luis Guilherme came on to score the match-deciding goals for the Brazilian side.

Chelsea and Real Madrid, meanwhile, look long-term winners thanks to Paez and Endrick, two players destined for the very top.