Former Ecuador Manager Jorge Célico Raises Concerns Over Kendry Páez’s Development
Former Ecuador manager Jorge Célico has offered a revealing assessment of Chelsea youngster Kendry Páez, suggesting that the highly rated midfielder may not have received the right guidance during an important stage of his development.
Páez has been regarded as one of Ecuador’s brightest young football talents for several years. His technical ability, creativity and vision have attracted significant attention, with Chelsea moving early to secure his future.
However, his development has not been completely straightforward, and Célico believes the youngster’s struggles could be connected to the decisions made around him and the people advising him.
Speaking about Páez, Célico explained that the player has always possessed exceptional natural ability. Having previously coached him at Ecuador’s U-17 level, he believes he understands the midfielder’s qualities better than most.
“In my opinion, Kendry isn’t being properly advised. He has the talent; I coached him in the U-17s. Technically, he’s very good and has excellent vision.”
Célico’s comments highlight the difference between having enormous footballing talent and developing that talent at the right pace.
According to the former Ecuador coach, Páez has the qualities needed to become a major player, but he believes some important steps in the youngster’s development may have been missed.
🇪🇨 Was Kendry Páez rushed too quickly?
One of Célico’s biggest concerns is the path Páez followed through Ecuador’s youth teams.
The former manager believes the Chelsea youngster should have experienced more stages of youth football before moving further into the senior game.
Célico pointed specifically to Páez’s absence from Ecuador’s U-20 World Cup campaign as an example.
“It was a mistake to skip steps with him; he didn’t play for the U20s in the World Cup. That means skipping stages you should complete in your development.”
The argument is not necessarily that Páez lacks the ability to compete at a higher level. Instead, Célico appears to believe that young players can benefit from progressing through each stage of their development rather than being pushed forward too quickly because of their natural talent.
For a player as young as Páez, those experiences can be crucial.
Playing against opponents in different age groups, dealing with pressure, learning from mistakes and gradually taking on greater responsibility can all contribute to a player’s long-term development.
🔵 Chelsea will be watching closely
For Chelsea, the situation surrounding Páez will naturally attract plenty of attention.
The club has invested heavily in young players and has consistently looked to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level over the long term. Páez is part of that wider strategy, and his development could become an important storyline in the coming years.
The Ecuadorian midfielder has already shown flashes of the qualities that made him such a highly rated prospect. His close control, passing range, ability to see openings and creativity in the final third have made him an exciting player to watch.
But talent alone does not guarantee success.
The next stage of Páez’s career will require patience, the right coaching environment and strong guidance away from the pitch.
👀 Pressure comes with being a highly rated youngster
There is also another side to the discussion.
When a young footballer is identified as a potential star at an early age, expectations can become enormous. Every poor performance can attract criticism, while every good performance can lead to even greater expectations.
That can make the development process difficult.
Páez has had to deal with the attention that comes with being considered one of Ecuador’s biggest talents. His connection with Chelsea has only increased the spotlight surrounding him.
Célico’s comments therefore raise an interesting question: Should young players be allowed to develop gradually, even when their talent appears obvious, or should exceptional youngsters be moved quickly into higher levels of football?
There is no simple answer.
Some young players thrive when challenged early, while others benefit from a slower and more controlled progression.
⭐ Célico still believes Páez can become a star
Importantly, Célico’s comments should not be interpreted as a lack of belief in Páez.
In fact, his assessment appears to suggest the opposite.
Having coached the midfielder at youth level, Célico clearly believes Páez possesses the technical qualities required to reach the top.
He added:
“He’s a player who’s going to break out because he has so much talent.”
That is perhaps the most positive part of the assessment.
Despite his concerns about Páez’s development and the advice surrounding him, Célico remains convinced that the Chelsea youngster has the ability to eventually fulfil his enormous potential.
The challenge now is making sure that talent is developed correctly.
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