Keep the name Nico Paz in mind. That’s what we said about a year ago when Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni presented his preliminary roster of 44 players for the final two official games before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Scaloni was pleased to welcome newcomers like Paz among established talents like Messi, Dybala, and Di Mara. Fast forward to Wednesday night, and the youngster was spotted scoring his first goal for Real Madrid, as Los Blancos defeated Napoli 4-2 in the Champions League.
The 19-year-old, who made his Madrid debut earlier this month against Braga, opened his account with a key strike, smashing home from 25 yards to give the hosts a 3-2 lead with just six minutes remaining at the Bernabéu. Joselu Mato sealed the three points for Carlo Ancelotti’s team, who have now clinched top spot in Champions League Group C.
Nico Paz is Real Madrid’s newest find
Nico joined Real Madrid’s youth academy in 2017 after growing up in Tenerife. While he is of Argentine descent, he was born in Spain and holds dual citizenship. He began by attempting to emulate his father, playing as a centre-back, but quickly realized that his abilities were better suited to playing further up the pitch. He moved to center-forward until his coaches realized that where he really shines is out wide on the wing, where he can beat opponents and provide crosses. He was most effective when he was on the wing.
He is generally seen hugging the touchline on both flanks, but he can also play in other positions. He is at ease with both feet. Nico plays the flank in a 4-2-3-1 formation under Fran Beltrán’s coaching. Last season, he played for three separate teams: the Under-18s, the Under-19s, and Castilla. Even though Scaloni thought it was time for him to take the next step early on, he has been maturing slowly and in his own time.
Nico Paz’s Castilla debut
Nico was already demonstrating that he was something exceptional when he was in the lower categories at La Fábrica. He made his debut for Ral’s Castilla in a pre-season friendly against Cultural Leonesa before making his first appearance in an official game on January 8, 2022, in a 3-1 win over Andorra. Morante was replaced by Nico in the 82nd minute. His family, who is largely based in Tenerife, flew here just to witness the game from the Di Stéfano stands. Nico has progressed in his development since then.
Nico is a very creative player who can get into the opponents’ area with remarkable ease, in addition to having amazing quality and close control. He also has a good eye for goal; just two and a half minutes after making his debut for Castilla, he scored his first goal for the Under-19s in the 2-0 win over Getafe. That piqued the interest of others. Physically, he is filling out and becoming stronger as a member of the 2004 generation. He stands 1.76 meters tall and is 19 years old.
Madrid is well aware of his potential; they recently offered him a professional contract and have high hopes for him in the longer future. Some liken him to Marco Asensio.