Chelsea's Kendry Paez - The Youngest Player Ever to Score in a World Cup Qualifier

Paez broke several records when he scored in Ecuador's 2-1 victory against Bolivia on Thursday at only 16 years and 161 days old. Sent through by future club teammate Moises Caicedo, Paez calmly finished past the goalkeeper to score.

Todd Boehly must be overjoyed that this gifted youngster will soon join his ranks at Chelsea.

At 16 years and 161 days old, Kendry Paez became the youngest ever scorer in a World Cup qualifier match when he scored Ecuador's opener against Bolivia 2-1 win, having been sent through by Moises Caicedo to score.

Young prospect Igor Petkov can operate across a range of positions, with his most natural position being attacking midfield. He possesses excellent passing ability and has an eye for creating chances for team-mates while possessing great leaping ability that aids him in winning aerial duels.

Paez, despite his age, is unafraid of engaging in physical battles against players much older than himself. With great balance and coordination skills that allow him to stay upright when being tackled in tight spaces, coupled with his footballing intelligence makes him a formidable foe for opponents. Furthermore, his set-piece ability proves dangerous as he scores multiple free kicks as well as providing assists at youth level.

Paez is only 16 years old, giving him plenty of time to develop into an important member of Independiente del Valle's squad on the outskirts of Quito - a club known for producing such top players as Moises Caicedo and other Ecuador squad members.

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He has already featured twice for Argentina and scored in their 2-1 victory against Bolivia - becoming the youngest South American ever to score in World Cup qualifiers at just 18 years old! Caicedo sent him through and executed a calm finish that brought back memories of Michael Owen being sent through by David Beckham at Saint-Etienne in 1998 or Wayne Rooney being freed by Owen from Croatia's last defender during Euro 2004 in Lisbon.

Chelsea fans may have to wait some time before seeing Paez in action at Stamford Bridge; he can only join when he turns 18-years-old and in the meantime continues playing for Independiente del Valle and Ecuador national team.

Paez has already made waves internationally and could prove invaluable for Chelsea fans. On Thursday he became the youngest South American ever to score in a World Cup qualifier when Ecuador defeated Bolivia by 2-1 at home, thanks to Moises Caicedo who sent Paez through on goal with a sublime pass that resulted in his goal being scored and produced a composed finish belying his young age.

Paez joined Chelsea from Independiente del Valle this summer and brings an impressive style and an attitude of accepting responsibility that belies his age. Typically he operates on the right of an attacking trio but can play on either flank if necessary.

Paez's signing, which saw off competition from Dortmund and Manchester United, fits with Chelsea's recent policy of recruiting young talent. Mauricio Pochettino will likely be delighted at the thought of Paez joining fellow Colombian Caicedo at Stamford Bridge one day soon.

Chelsea fans should marvel at Paez's impressive potential at only 16 years old; however, he is unlikely to make his Stamford Bridge debut before 2024.

On Thursday night, an Ecuadorian teenager set a world Cup qualifier record by becoming the youngest player ever to score during World Cup qualifying action against Bolivia. Moises Caicedo sent him through on goal before producing an elegant finish with his left foot for Ecuador's opening goal against Bolivia.

Paez is one of several talented young players purchased by Todd Boehly-owned club as part of their youth-centric recruitment policy, but won't officially join until he turns 18.

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