Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo, PSG defender Willian Pacho and Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie have been named in Ecuador’s World Cup squad, with both players expected to play key roles as the South American side head to the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Sunderland forward Nilson Angulo is among the inclusions after his January move from Anderlecht, earning a place in the squad despite having just 12 international caps. The 22-year-old will be making his first World Cup appearance.
They are joined by former West Ham and Everton forward Enner Valencia, who remains central to the national team. Now 36, Valencia is captain and Ecuador’s all-time leading scorer with 49 goals in 105 appearances, and he is set for his third World Cup.
Former Brighton defender Pervis Estupinan, now at AC Milan, has also been included, while Chelsea teenager Kendry Paez, currently on loan at River Plate, makes the cut as well.
Ecuador, who reached the round of 16 in 2006, are drawn in Group E and will open their campaign against Ivory Coast on 15 June.
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They then face Curacao on 21 June before concluding their group matches against Germany at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 25 June.
Ecuador World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Hernan Galindez (Huracan), Moises Ramirez (Kifisia), Gonzalo Valle (LDU Quito).
Defenders: Piero Hincapie (Arsenal), Willian Pacho (Paris St-Germain), Pervis Estupinan (AC Milan), Felix Torres (Internacional), Joel Ordonez (Club Brugge), Jackson Porozo (Tijuana), Angelo Preciado (Atletico Mineiro).
Midfielders: Moises Caicedo (Chelsea), Alan Franco (Atletico Mineiro), Kendry Paez (River Plate, on loan from Chelsea), Pedro Vite (UNAM), Jordy Alcivar (Independiente del Valle), Denil Castillo (Midtjylland), Yaimar Medina (Genk).
Forwards: Enner Valencia (Pachuca), Kevin Rodriguez (Union Saint-Gilloise), Jordy Caicedo (Huracan), Nilson Angulo (Sunderland), Anthony Valencia (Antwerp), Jeremy Arevalo (Stuttgart).
