Ecuadorian midfielder Kendry Páez, 18, will not make his official debut with River Plate this Saturday against Tigre in the Apertura Tournament. Marcelo Gallardo has decided to postpone it to allow a 10-day physical and technical preparation period. His first match is scheduled for February 17 against Ciudad de Bolívar in the Copa Argentina.
The arrival of Kendry Páez at River Plate has sparked great excitement in Argentine football, as he is one of Ecuador's top young prospects at just 18 years old. After signing with the Núñez club from a loan at France's Racing de Estrasburgo, the youngster joined Marcelo Gallardo's squad. However, he will not be called up for Saturday's match at Estadio Monumental against Tigre in the third round of the Apertura Tournament.
The technical staff's decision aims for optimal adaptation to the local football pace. Páez underwent an extra training session on Wednesday to focus on his physical and technical conditioning over the next ten days. His last official match was on January 18, entering for one minute in Estrasburgo's 2-1 win over Metz in Ligue 1. In total, he played 21 games for the French side, logging 718 minutes, though not as a regular starter.
Páez's official debut is set for Tuesday, February 17, in the Copa Argentina match against Ciudad de Bolívar. This delay aligns with Gallardo's intent to 'not rush stages' with the young talent, who arrives to fill a team need in creative and one-on-one dribbling roles.
Additionally, Páez will wear jersey number 19, freed up by Sebastián Driussi's switch to 9. His addition bolsters a squad that sought such profiles in the transfer market.
