“Why he belongs to Chelsea” – Blues loanee makes case with game-changing display

Chelsea youngster Kendry Páez has responded in emphatic fashion after losing minutes at River Plate, delivering a decisive performance that could now influence whether the Argentine side can keep him.

The 18-year-old, on loan from Chelsea, returned to action this week for the first time since March 15 and immediately made the difference. Páez came off the bench and provided the assist for the winning goal, despite playing just 39 minutes.

It was a timely reminder of his quality, especially given the growing focus on his involvement and how that could impact his short-term future.

Immediate impact after weeks out

Kendry Páez had been out of the picture for four matches, raising questions about his role under manager Eduardo Coudet.

However, he was introduced early in the second half against Carabobo, in the Copa Sudamericana (South America’s Europa League equivalent). From his first touches, he looked determined to make an impression.

Operating from the right and drifting inside, he produced the key moment of the game. One of those movements opened the space and allowed him to set up Sebastián Driussi for the decisive goal.

During his 39 minutes of involvement, he had 39 touches, 22 out of 27 passes completed, one foul received and 5 recoveries. Across a match where several players were given an opportunity to impress, Páez stood out clearly.

According to Argentine newspaper Olé, he was the only player to fully take his chance, changing the game both collectively and individually. The outlet added that the Ecuadorian was eager to show “why he belongs to Chelsea”.

Player makes his case

After the match, the Chelsea-owned midfielder made it clear how important the moment was for him.

“Thanks to God, the coach gave me confidence, he told me I can contribute a lot to the team”, he said.“It’s wonderful to get minutes because I wasn’t playing. Now this is the best version of Kendry. There’s still a lot to come and I’m sure of that.”

The comments reflect both relief and ambition. Páez knows he is still building his place in the team, but also believes he has more to offer.

Superclásico dream and bigger picture

The performance also comes at a crucial moment in River’s schedule, with a derby against Boca Juniors approaching. Páez did not hide his excitement when asked about the possibility of featuring.

“Of course I dream about it. It’s very important and a joy to be here. It would be spectacular to play it.”

Beyond the immediate fixture, there is a wider context. Páez arrived at River looking to regain momentum after a difficult spell in Europe, and his minutes in Argentina have been carefully managed. However, his latest display may force a rethink.

Of course Chelsea is monitoring his development closely, and River’s ability to give him regular playing time could influence decisions around his loan.

What this means for his future

After a period on the fringes, Páez has shown he can impact games quickly and decisively. That increases the likelihood of him being used more regularly in the coming weeks.

For River, that is a sporting boost of course, but it also strengthens their position if they want to keep the player involved and avoid any scenario where Chelsea reassess his situation.

In a loan spell that had started with uncertainty, Páez has now delivered a clear statement. And with just 39 minutes of action, he has given both River and Chelsea something to think about.