We spoke to the Ecuadorian about settling into life in London, playing under Mikel Arteta, and more.
I used to play in Germany, so it’s not a big change for me, luckily.
What have you found difficult or unusual about life in England – and what have you really enjoyed?
I can’t think of anything strange. I have a normal life here. I’m very focused on training, of course, and the league is a bit tougher, but I’m just delighted to be here.
On the pitch, what has Mikel said to you about the best ways to develop in the English game?
He always gives me advice and we look at areas where I can improve. Based on that, I work hard on what I need to do better. I only recently came here and I’m still settling in at the club with my team-mates. I’ve done so as well as possible so far and want to keep improving.
And tell us about playing at left back - what are the different challenges for you? Do you enjoy the chance to be more attacking?
Of course, I’d love to get forward even more and play a more decisive role in supporting our attack, but that’s an area where I really need to improve. I enjoy playing at full back. I always say that my favourite position is centre back, but I’m playing in such an important position at the moment. My team-mates have helped me out so much and I hope to improve further so that I can help the team more.
You’ve also played in your customary centre back, are there any different challenges in the Premier League?
Of course, there’s such a high level of intensity here and we know it’s the best league in the world. I’m just trying to perform at that standard. I’m so grateful whenever I get to play in my favourite position, improve and help out my team-mates.
In William Saliba and Gabriel you have two of the best in Europe in your position, tell us what makes them so good to play with?
I think it’s down to hard work and the way they help the whole team. They’re such brilliant team-mates. I’m learning so much from them. They’ve played together here for a long time. They’ve developed a wonderful understanding and I just hope I can make the most of playing with them and enjoy success together.
What do you think your best qualities are as a defender?
I think I’m a very intense player. I like being on the ball, staying strong and winning duels. Things can always happen, but I never want to lose duels and always be ready to help the team. I have to make a difference by doing that because it’s my job.
Before the game, you always talk to our coach Gabriel Heinze, what influence does he have on you?
He has a big influence. We love him a lot. He gives us that motivation before going out on the pitch to compete and after the game, he gives us a motivational speech. That's very important. He knows about good defending, he gives you that extra motivation that you need.
As a team we are very effective at set pieces, do you spend a lot of time on that during the week? Does the strategy vary depending on how you mark the opponent?
Yes, we see that in every game. There is always work, a lot of work behind this. I'm very happy to be involved and I want to start scoring goals like my teammates do. That's very important. As you know, at set pieces you can win or lose the game. That's the most important thing. That's why we work day in and day out.
“The coach gives me confidence and I try to make the most of every minute of action on the pitch."
Have you been pleased to have played close to 30 games already? The manager obviously trusts you.
The coach gives me confidence and I try to make the most of every minute of action on the pitch by giving my all to help the team.
How exciting is it to be involved when the team is doing so well in all competitions - why do you think this team is doing so well?
I think we are a family and we stay united at all times, especially the tough ones, which is the key factor. This team has incredible conviction. I can’t help but admire it. I think our conviction and working hard to improve are crucial. There’s still a long way to go, but I’m convinced we can achieve something big.
Can you see similarities to the Leverkusen team that won the league and cup in 2023/24?
Of course, the players are different, but everyone here has unbelievable quality, be it the players on the pitch or the ones waiting to grab their chance. Having everyone ready at all times is what makes this team stronger.
How did the League Cup win over Chelsea feel? Did you enjoy how physical it was? What about the celebrations at the end?
I was so pleased about the result and the way it went. It was a tough game, as we knew it would be until the end. Thankfully, we were able to get our goal and being able to celebrate like that was incredible because we deserve it..
This season could be very exciting for you, with a World Cup at the end of it? How excited is the country?
I always try to focus on my team first and the hard work I need to do at club level because that’s what’ll lead to me having a great World Cup and being physically fit. I always try to do well here and ensure that everything is going smoothly here so that I head to the World Cup in great shape. I’m not thinking about that because while it may seem close, it’s still very far away.
Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast is a really interesting group, what do you make of it? You must know some of the Germany internationals?
I think they’re very strong national teams. I have some German team-mates as well. I think it’ll be fantastic.
Ecuador football looks in a great place, players at some of the best clubs in Europe in you: Pacho, Caicedo, Estupinan – why is it in such good health at the moment?
For a long time, we’ve had players coming to this league and many others as well. I think it’s down to the quality of our youngsters along with the ability to head to Europe and achieve success, leaving a legacy outside of Ecuador. Getting recognised for this is fantastic. I feel that many Ecuadorian players are on that pathway and long may it continue.
And producing lots of great young players - notably the Quintero twins who have signed for Arsenal, tell us about them?
I can’t really speak about their future, but I know they’re both incredible players. They’re such good footballers. They’re doing well and looking after themselves. I hope they join this huge club in wonderful condition [when they’re 18] and we’ll welcome them with open arms.
Are there particularly good academies in Ecuador? What’s the passion like for football in your country, is it all people talk about and want to play?
Of course. There are so many academies. I came through the ranks at Independiente del Valle. It’s an incredible club in every sense. They support you at all times. I’m very grateful to the club. When they’re little, so many youngsters dream of playing for the club. They’re doing something remarkable there. I hope that many other clubs in Ecuador do the same.
What about your chant here at Arsenal? Does it feel special when you’ve heard it on the pitch?
Yes, I’ve heard it many times. Sometimes when my family phones me, they sing the chant to me! It’s an amazing thing and I’m so grateful to the fans for their unwavering support. We want to keep making them happy because they’re the most important thing for us.
And finally, have you been able to see a lot of London?
Very little, but what I have seen is very beautiful, everything is very beautiful. The city, the parks. It's very big, it's impossible to see it all because everything is very far, a lot of traffic, but everything is very beautiful. The food is also very good, I'm not going to comment on that because it really surprised me but the food here is very good