London – Arsenal defender Piero Hincapié is enjoying a stellar season with the Premier League leaders, but remains keenly aware of the progress of his fellow Ecuadorian footballers. Currently nine points ahead of Manchester City in the Premier League standings and having secured a spot in the Champions League quarterfinals, Hincapié recently shared his thoughts on the development of young talent Kendry Páez and praised the Argentine club River Plate.
The 23-year-old, who is on a season-long loan from Bayer Leverkusen, is a fixture in Ecuador’s national team plans. He highlighted the importance of Páez gaining consistent playing time, particularly as Ecuador prepares for upcoming international fixtures. Hincapié lauded River Plate as a significant club, believing the environment will be beneficial for the young midfielder’s development ahead of a potential appearance at the World Cup.
“He’s at a great club. I hope he takes advantage of the opportunity, does things really well and can arrive in good shape for the World Cup,” Hincapié told DSports, as reported by several sources. “River has a great fanbase, which will set pressure on him to reach his best level. It’s a big club.”
Kendry Páez received quick confidence from Coudet.
However, when pressed on whether River Plate was the biggest club in Argentina, Hincapié diplomatically sidestepped the question. “I don’t realize, I can’t say that. There are two, I can’t take sides. Don’t put me in that position, because I have a friend who is a Boca fan too. I don’t know,” he responded, acknowledging the intense rivalry between the two Buenos Aires giants.
Ecuador’s World Cup Preparations
The Ecuadorian national team has yet to announce its official squad for the upcoming March FIFA international window, which includes matches against Morocco on March 27 and the Netherlands on March 31. However, reports indicate that Kendry Páez is on the preliminary roster being considered by head coach Sebastián Beccacece. This suggests Beccacece is monitoring Páez’s progress closely, hoping the move to River Plate will provide the young player with the necessary experience and match fitness before the World Cup.
Páez’s Role at River Plate
Currently, the biggest question surrounding Páez’s immediate future is his role in River Plate’s starting lineup. Manager Eduardo Coudet has one key decision to craft ahead of Sunday’s match against Estudiantes de Río Cuarto: whether to include Páez in the starting eleven. The midfielder experienced some discomfort following the recent match against Sarmiento, but if he is fully fit, Coudet is expected to give him the nod.
Key Facts
- Piero Hincapié highlighted Arsenal’s strong form, currently leading the Premier League with a nine-point advantage over Manchester City.
- Kendry Páez is reportedly on the preliminary roster for Sebastián Beccacece’s Ecuador squad for the March FIFA window.
- Ecuador will face Morocco on March 27 and the Netherlands on March 31.
Hincapié’s loan move to Arsenal has proven successful thus far, with the Ecuadorian establishing himself as a key component of Mikel Arteta’s defense. His experience and leadership are valuable assets for both club and country. The defender joined Arsenal from Bayer Leverkusen in September 2025 on a season-long loan, having previously made over 100 appearances for the German club, including a key role in their 2023/24 Bundesliga title victory. He began his professional career with Independiente del Valle in Ecuador, where he captained the under-17 team and won the U20 Copa Libertadores in 2020.
The situation with Páez is particularly interesting, as the young player seeks to establish himself after previous stints with Chelsea and Racing de Estrasburgo. A successful spell at River Plate could significantly boost his chances of making Ecuador’s final World Cup squad. The Argentine club’s passionate fanbase and demanding environment could provide the ideal platform for Páez to showcase his talent.
Ecuador’s upcoming matches against Morocco and the Netherlands will serve as crucial preparation for the World Cup. Beccacece will be looking to assess his players and finalize his squad selection in the coming weeks. The performance of players like Hincapié and Páez will undoubtedly play a significant role in Ecuador’s chances of success in the tournament.
Arsenal fans will also be keeping a close eye on Hincapié’s progress, hoping he can maintain his excellent form and help the club secure the Premier League title and continue their Champions League campaign. The defender’s versatility, capable of playing as both a center-back and a left-back, makes him a valuable asset for Arteta.
Next up for Piero Hincapié and Arsenal is a Premier League clash against [Opponent and Date – to be confirmed]. Fans can follow updates on the club’s official website, arsenal.com, and through official social media channels.
