The improvement of Pervis Estupiñán

Ecuador continues to overcome stages on its way to the World Cup in Qatar next December. Those of Gustavo Alfaro had two meetings of great height, especially the confrontation against Brazil. In both games, they managed to add a point that allows them to maintain third place before reaching the final outcome.

Pervis Estupiñán was one of the best players in Ecuador and, practically, the best defender in the CONMEBOL Qualifiers. His influence in both areas was a constant in the two games he played even though the Tri failed to win. At 24 years old, he is living his best moment in Villarreal and in his national team. That state of form can be seen reflected in his personal statistics.

The left back was the best defender among the 132 who were called up in the South American Qualifiers. These were his numbers: 163 recoveries, 3 chances created, 31 takedowns, 27 interceptions, 28 precise centers and with an effectiveness of 32%. He was only the second best defender in key passes with 21.

The start of the Estupiñán season was full of uncertainties because pIt seemed that he was going to change clubs, but decided to stay under the command of Unai Emery. Despite the competition for his position with Alfonso Pedraza and Alberto Moreno, the ecuadorian has been having minutes until he is an important player for the Spanish coach where he has found the ideal system to practically fit his three full-backs.

The qualifying break, a priori, was not easy for the Tri because, first, they had to play against the leader of the classification and, second, against a team that arrived with great confidence after three straight wins. Alfaro raised the two games as if they were two finals, knowing the importance of adding at least one point that would allow them to depend on themselves in the final stage of this World Cup race. Finally, the objective was fulfilled and Pervis Estupiñán continued to improve his defensive interventions.