Kendry Paez has set a new record – becoming the youngest player to score at the FIFA U-20 World Cup aged 16 years and 22 days. The midfielder scored the opening goal for Ecuador U-20 as they defeated Fiji U-20 by 9-0. This leaves them in second place, behind the USA U-20 team.

Paez is one of South America’s most gifted youngsters, with people from all over the country hailing his talent. A significant number of people consider him to have more potential than Neymar and even Lionel Messi.

Kendry Paez sets new record in FIFA U-20 World Cup

The youngster had already made it to the Independiente del Valle first team, and has scored his first goal. He is also in line for a call-up to the senior national team on the back of his recent performances with club and country.

He has already ascertained his future with a move to Chelsea set to happen in 2025, when he turns 18. The Blues fended off competition from Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund to land Kendry Paez for €20 million as part of their new system of signing some of the top young talents in the world.

Given that the move is still two years away, Chelsea have ample time to sort out the mess that they are currently in. They have a very bloated squad as things stand, and will have to offload several players to make room for new names. Moreover, they have to establish a system to get the best out of their young players and not allow their potential to go to waste like in the past.