Chelsea supporters should be intrigued to hear what the French media said about Kendry Paez after his latest performance for Strasbourg.
Blues loanee Kendry Paez, 18, is currently with sister club Strasbourg in France for the 2025-26 season.
The left-footed attacker, who can play anywhere across the forward line, already has plenty of experience. On top of 70 first-team matches for Independiente del Valle, he also has 22 senior international caps for Ecuador.
Strasbourg, who currently sit third in Ligue 1, look a really impressive outfit under English manager Liam Rosenior. They are also competing in Europe this campaign, where they are one of the favourites to win the Conference League.
Paez, who’s really impressed people this season, has been playing regularly for Strasbourg as the youngster develops his game.
Strasbourg star Kendry Paez dribbling against Jagiellonia in the Conference League.
Photo by FREDERICK FLORIN/AFP via Getty Images
On Thursday, Strasbourg recorded a 1-1 draw at home to Polish club Jagiellonia in the Conference League.
Paez started the European fixture in midweek and received mixed reviews from the French media.
Maxifoot wrote: “Kendry Paez – 6. Once again lined up from the start, the Ecuadorian winger alternated between good and bad. With more good, like this pass which should have been decisive for [Sebastian] Nanasi or even this post found in the second half. Regarding the less good, we will remember his attempted acrobatic overhead kick, missed, while a simple volley seemed more relevant. Replaced in the 72nd minute.”
Elsewhere, L’Equipe graded Paez’s Conference League display a 4/10.
Chelsea wonderkid Paez showed the good with the bad in his latest Strasbourg performance. Even though he didn’t score or assist, we’re delighted to see him experiencing Europe and first-team action.
Here is a look at Paez’s individual stats against Jagiellonia via FOTMOB:
Minutes played Total shots Chances created Accurate passes Touches Successful dribbles Match rating
73 3 4 43/51 (84%) 62 1/1 (100%) 7.7
Strasbourg star Kendry Paez controls the ball against Jagiellonia in the Conference League.
Photo by Sathire Kelpa/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Chelsea need to be cautious with Kendry Paez
Although Paez looks like a rising star with gigantic potential, Chelsea fans need to remember not every young talent can be like Estevao Willian, who, at the age of 18, has gone straight into the first team at Stamford Bridge.
In the early weeks of the season, Strasbourg boss Rosenior called Paez an “ultra-talented player” and highlighted how quickly he’s settled in France. Even so, the jump to Chelsea will be another level when it does eventually come around.
Fans must not forget that Paez is a work in progress, which is totally normal during the infancy of his career. There will be plenty more inconsistent performances in Strasbourg colours while he learns.
It shouldn’t be assumed that he will definitely be ready to come into Chelsea’s line-up next season.