Kendry Paez - who will join Chelsea after he has turned 18 years of age - starred on his debut for Ecuador against Uruguay on Tuesday night.
In June, the Premier League giants finalised a deal with Independiente del Valle for the playmaker to make the switch to Stamford Bridge in 2025.
Reports indicated that Chelsea have agreed to pay a fee of €20m for the teenager, a considerable risk given that his 16th birthday was in May earlier this year.
Nevertheless, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital will feel reassured that their efforts are justified after Paez starred during Ecuador's 2-1 victory over Uruguay in a World Cup qualifier.
As a result of being named in the starting lineup by Felix Sanchez Bas, Paez became the youngest-ever player to play for a South American nation since Diego Maradona.
Paez played the opening 70 minutes as Ecuador came from behind to record a notable triumph in Quito, with Felix Torres netting both of the goals.
Kendry Páez (16) became the youngest ever player to play in a South American WC Qualifier.
— Jogo Bonito (@ufcfooty) September 13, 2023
He also got an assist 🇪🇨 pic.twitter.com/LdqQi3rbGj
However, Paez will take many of the plaudits, playing a one-two on the left flank before delivering a low cross for Torres to convert from close range.
Fellow Chelsea player Moises Caicedo also featured in the match, providing the assist for the first goal and combining with Paez ahead of the second.
Despite his age, Paez is already accumulating regular action for Independiente del Valle, featuring for 870 minutes across 17 senior appearances in all competitions.
Darren Plant
Argentina
Uruguay
Ecuador
Colombia
Brazil
Paraguay
Bolivia
Venezuela
Chile
Peru
