"Every career is different" – Chelsea player going through 'tough times', hope for light at end of tunnel

PSG defender Willian Pacho publicly backed struggling Chelsea midfielder Kendry Páez, saying the 19-year-old will overcome his difficult period and become a great player.

Kendry Páez is enduring a tough spell at Chelsea after a series of unsuccessful loan moves. The 19-year-old Ecuador international arrived at Stamford Bridge in summer 2024 following a deal agreed in June 2023 with Independiente del Valle. He was loaned to RC Strasbourg last season, making 21 appearances, before being sent to River Plate in January.

That move proved disastrous and was terminated in August, forcing Páez to return to Chelsea.

With new manager Xabi Alonso not including him in the Premier League squad, Páez has been relegated to Chelsea's U21 side, where he has played 246 minutes across six matches this season with two assists. PSG defender Willian Pacho, who managed Páez at River Plate, has now publicly backed the youngster.

"Every player is different, but he's been through some tough times," Pacho told local media. "I'm confident he'll come through and be a great player and help the national team." Pacho added that despite current criticism, he believes Páez will eventually succeed.