Kendry Paez’s arrival at Chelsea is highly anticipated, but he will first be loaned to Strasbourg to acclimate to European football. Paez excels between the lines with his passing and agility. Chelsea envisions him as a future attacking midfielder who can unlock defenses. While adaptation to European football presents challenges, his potential as a top chance-creator is significant, making him a key player to watch for Chelsea.
The anticipation surrounding Kendry Paez's arrival at Chelsea has finally materialized, marking the beginning of what many hope will be a transformative chapter for the young Ecuadorian winger. After officially signing with the Blues in June 2023, Paez's physical arrival in July 2025 has ignited excitement among fans and analysts alike. However, the immediate plan involves a strategic loan to Strasbourg, a move designed to nurture his burgeoning talent and acclimate him to the rigors of European football.
Strasbourg presents an ideal environment for Paez's initial foray into Ligue 1. The league's emphasis on technical skill, combined with its unforgiving nature towards sloppy play, will serve as a crucial testing ground for the young midfielder. Moreover, the club's structure promises ample playing time – potentially up to 2,000 minutes – provided Paez can quickly adapt to the demands of the league.
Paez's strengths lie in his ability to operate effectively between the lines. His talent for receiving the ball on the half-turn, evading pressure with skillful acceleration, and delivering incisive passes to onrushing teammates sets him apart as a dynamic attacking force. While naturally left-footed, Paez demonstrates comfort and proficiency with both feet. This ambidexterity allows him to operate effectively from the right half-space, where he can either unleash reverse balls or open his body for a shot on goal.
Throughout his youth and senior career, Paez has been deployed in central and right-sided roles, consistently earning recognition as an attacking midfielder with the agility and vision to sway matches in the final third. His ability to create scoring opportunities and contribute to goals has been consistently tracked, showcasing his potential as a game-changing talent. Even at the tender age of 16 and 17, he demonstrated a remarkable ability to influence games at the senior level, hinting at the immense potential that lies within.
Chelsea's long-term vision for Paez involves integrating him into their attacking midfield, where he can leverage his creativity and tempo-setting abilities to unlock tightly packed defenses. Depending on the team's tactical approach and his continued physical development, Paez could eventually compete for a starting role as a No. 10 or No. 8.
While Paez's potential is undeniable, there are challenges that he must overcome to reach his full potential. Adapting to the higher intensity of European football and managing the physical demands of a more rigorous schedule will be crucial. Additionally, he will need to refine his defensive positioning and decision-making to become a more complete player. However, his record-breaking international debut and impressive early performances in senior football provide ample justification for the excitement surrounding his arrival.
Looking ahead, Chelsea fans should temper their expectations and view Paez's first year in Europe as a period of adaptation, punctuated by flashes of brilliance rather than consistent dominance. This patient approach will allow him to develop at his own pace and gradually integrate into the team's system.
Ultimately, Kendry Paez represents a long-term investment for Chelsea, a player with the potential to become a tier-one chance-creator capable of contributing double-digit assists at his peak. His journey to Stamford Bridge will be closely watched, as he embarks on a path to fulfill his immense promise and become a key figure in Chelsea's future.