Ecuador’s U-17s are into the final stretch before the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar. On Friday morning La Tri announced a 24-man list for a preparation microcycle that runs from Oct 28 to Nov 2. Gonzalo Ferrea has coached the U-17s since January, and this is his last look at the group before the trip to Doha.
The 24 players, by club
- Independiente del Valle (5): Jefferson Camacho, Nixon Ayoví, Edwin Quintero, Holger Quintero, Brayson Zamora
- LDU Quito (4): Jandry Calle, Janer Mina, Jordín Mina, José Rubio
- Emelec (4): Jhon Chica, Luis Fragozo, Sergio González, Marvin Vásquez
- Universidad Católica (2): Crixson Rodríguez, Aldahir Gómez
- Guayas FC (2): Deymar Borja, Eduin Cabeza
- One each: Mijaíl Vaca (El Nacional), Carlos Medina (Barcelona SC), Nicolás Sotomayor (Aucas), Jhon Guerrero (S.D. Santo Domingo), Mathews Soto (Orense), Mario Vera (Manta FC), Adrián Cuadrado (FC Barcelona, Spain)
What stands out
An all-domestic core, with one exception. Twenty-three of the 24 play in Ecuador. Independiente del Valle supply the most players again, and LDU and Emelec follow with four each. Smaller academies also feature: Guayas FC, Manta FC, Orense and Santo Domingo.
Adrián Cuadrado, the La Masia link. The only player based abroad is Adrián Cuadrado. He is a center-back born in Barcelona in March 2009 and plays in FC Barcelona’s academy. His selection shows the FEF is still courting dual-eligible players in Europe.
The Quintero twins. Edwin and Holger Quintero of IDV are both on the list. Argentine outlet Olé reported earlier this year that the pair are expected to join Arsenal once they are old enough to move. A World Cup in Qatar would put them in front of a much bigger audience.
Notable absences. Two names are missing: IDV defender Deinner Ordóñez, whom Olé reported is set to join Chelsea at 18, and Iker Mantilla of Mallorca’s academy. The FEF has given no reason. The list is for a training camp, not the final World Cup squad, so it is too early to rule anyone out.
Ecuador at the U-17 World Cup: Group B
- Thu, Nov 19: New Caledonia vs Ecuador, 8:00 AM ET (Aspire Zone, Ar-Rayyan)
- Sun, Nov 22: Ecuador vs Uganda, 8:00 AM ET (Aspire Zone, Ar-Rayyan)
- Wed, Nov 25: Ecuador vs South Korea, 7:30 AM ET (Aspire Zone, Ar-Rayyan)
New Caledonia are the most winnable of the three games, and Ecuador play them first. Uganda drew 1-1 with Ecuador’s U-15s at the FIFA U-15 tournament this month, a reminder that African youth sides are rarely easy opponents. South Korea will probably decide who wins the group. All kickoff times and results will be on our Schedule page.
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