Dispossessed eight times – Everything Chelsea fans should know about Kendry Paez’s on-loan display vs Aberdeen
Chelsea supporters are patiently awaiting the arrival of their next superstar, Kendry Paez, as the youngster gains experience with Strasbourg.
The relationship between Chelsea and Strasbourg, via the BlueCo group, has worked dividends for both parties, with Mike Penders and Mamadou Sarr both thriving, and future signing Emanuel Emegha starring.
Since joining the Ligue 1 club on loan, shortly after leaving Independiente del Valle, and has made 17 appearances, five of which have come in the Europa Conference League.
The 18-year-old’s only goal has come against Paris FC back in September, often seeing himself stuck on that bench, but that is hardly surprising, given his lack of experience in Europe.
However, Enzo Maresca has put his faith in Estevao, 18, who is now one of the Blues’ most important stars, and fans will be hoping for a regeneration of the Brazilian creator.
Kendry Paez fails to impress in the Europa Conference League
Paez was given 16 minutes as Crystal Palace lost 2-1 to Strasbourg last month, completing 100 per cent of his passes, having a shot saved, completing a dribble, and winning 67 per cent of his ground duels [FotMob].
It was the kind of cameo that Chelsea fans would love to see from the young star, and the manager clearly had enough confidence in him to start against Aberdeen on Thursday, 11 December.
However, it was far from what either set of supporters would have expected.
Paez was hooked after just 59 minutes on a yellow card, starting as a lone striker, and while some of his attacking stats were okay, it was a generally poor night for the Chelsea loanee.
Paez’s defensive actions leave a lot to be desired before Chelsea move
He completed 92 per cent of his passes, created two chances, with an xG (Expected Goals) of 0.22 with his only shot, but also missed one big chance, and completed zero of his dribbles [FotMob].
With 86 per cent of his ground duels lost, also being dribbled past once, the defensive side to his game left a lot to be desired, and after losing possession eight times [Sofascore], being hooked was only fair.
At 18 years of age, these kinds of matches will be a huge learning tool before his move to Stamford Bridge, but without many signs of special moments, some Chelsea fans might be concerned.
Multiple young stars have waltzed through the doors at Cobham Training Centre, but it does appear as though it will be as easy for Paez as his struggles continue in France.