Willian Pacho: The Ecuadorian Youngster Making a Name for Himself at PSG
There is a new hotspot for scouts to turn their eyes to in South America, and it’s not the regular suspects. It’s not Brazil, Argentina or Uruguay; the big three, but rather the market disruptors; Ecuador. While many will only remember Carlos Tenorio, Hugo Rodallega, Antonio Valencia and probably Enner Valencia, the world has committed the names of a few to heart already.
Moises Caicedo is one of the world’s most expensive midfielders, Piero Hincapie was part of a defence that went unbeaten in the Bundesliga, Kendry Paez is the wunderkid that everyone wants on their team but will only play for one, and Pervis Estupinan is a fantasy manager’s dream. However, they aren’t alone, and a key part of the new spine that will inspire El Tri in years to come is been shaped. The name of the talent making the waves? Willian Pacho, a rare profile of centre back, even amongst the popular field.
Pacho is from a not so long line of Independiente del Valle products earlier listed. A line that produced a generation of U20 Copa Libertadores stars and Copa Sudamericana champions. The 23-year old, born in Quininde, North of Ecuador, made a life changing trip at 18, linking up with Independiente moving 212km from home. A tough tackling defender by nature, the Ecuadorian is a product of the environment that has molded him into a hard-nosed defender.
At 6ft 2in, Pacho’s deceptive frame should not be mistaken for weakness. In fact, it is what has given him flexibility and variety in winning duels both on the ground and in the air. His rise with Los Negriazules didn’t get unnoticed, earning a transfer to Belgium. The glitch? He arrived in January, and had to speedily adjust as Brian Priske’s system as Royal Antwerp chased the league.
Belgium soon found out what Ecuadorians had experienced. A quick yet steady defender, with a good passing range. In a world where left footed centre backs were becoming less common, He had ticked all the boxes. His only full season in Antwerp saw him rank in the 72nd percentile for assists, 100th percentile for touches and successful passes, 82nd percentile for accurate long balls, all amongst defenders.
If his attacking prowess impressed, his defensive data was more fascinating, he ranked in the 91st percentile for Interceptions and Tackles won, 88th percentile for Duels won and Aerial Duels won, as well as 98th percentile for recoveries. He was tough to get past too, ranking amongst the top players in that category.
The data was enough to convince Eintracht Frankfurt to part with just about €13 million for the player. It was a steal. Pacho played 33 league games, and led in about every category for his team. He may have reduced his shooting frequency partly because he didn’t carry the ball forward as much as he would love to in Belgium, but he was more refined, and also matured. He was in the 94th percentile for successful passes & 85th percentile for accurate long balls. He improved so much it was sufficient for PSG to pay two and a half times what Frankfurt had paid after one season.
Pacho’s adaptability in both the passing game and out of possession makes him one of the unique profiles in his role. Since arriving in Paris, he has played as both the left centre back and right centre back, helping push the defensive line slightly higher due to his speed. Whether it is helping their buildup from the back against Montpellier, or a vital interception against Lille OSC, the Ecuadorian’s name is definitely for sure going to be remembered.
By: Tosin Holmes / @Cosimo_diMedici
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Aurelien Meunier – PSG