Page by: Kevin He (Apr 2016)
Current FIFA Ranking: 12
Historical Tournament Record: Placed 4th in 1959 and 1993
Manager: Gustavo Quinteros (Argentina)
Overview
Ecuador is currently ranked the highest it has ever been ranked by FIFA before, sitting at 12th in the world. As you can see from the chart above, the team has been steadily on the rise for the past decade, despite an average ranking of 40 since the creation of FIFA’s ranking system. That’s an indication that this year is as good a year as any to make a strong showing on a stage like the Copa America. As one of only two South American countries remaining to have not won the tournament, Ecuador will likely look to prove that they are no longer the struggling team of the past. They’ve already gotten off to a hot start in the World Cup 2018 qualifiers, and are looking to carry their recent success into the Copa America. Alongside Brazil, they are favorites to make it out of Group B.
Players to Watch
Jefferson Montero
Club: Swansea City | Position: Midfielder
The star of the Swansea City club, Montero is one of the more exciting players on this Ecuadorian squad. He strives at creating opportunities with his stunning speed and acceleration, which allow him to easily beat defenders 1 on 1 and advance the attack effectively. According to his coach, Garry Monk, “there is no better player in the country when it comes to taking an opponent than Jefferson Montero” [1]. His flashy dribbling skills and electric pace have made him into a fan favorite at Swansea, and he’s due to make a big impact for this Ecuadorian team [2]. Internationally, he’s scored 10 goals in 53 appearances.
Enner Valencia
Club: West Ham United | Position: Forward
Valencia is in Ecuador’s top 10 for goals scored all time, with a total of 14 internationally. Like Montero, he’s extremely quick, and he’s a competent dribbler. Valencia also has a high shot accuracy in front of the goal, which is what makes him such a potent scoring threat. He’s fantastically strong, with a great leap – which is how he is able to head the ball so well [3]. His brilliant performance at the 2014 World Cup is what originally enticed West Ham to extend him an offer, where he is now the leading scorer as well [4]. He is definitely one to keep an eye on, as Ecuador will likely turn to his finishing ability this tournament to redeem last year’s poor finish.
Manager
Gustavo Quinteros is new to the Ecuadorian head coaching position, having been appointed to the manager of the squad just last year. Born in Argentina, his career in soccer began as a defender on several Bolivian clubs. He made a few appearances on the country’s national team, notably twice in the World Cup of 1994. From there he went on to coach for a handful of different Bolivian clubs, as well as the Bolivian national team, before taking on the role of head coach for Ecuador’s Emelec club from 2012 to 2015. It was from there that his success as a manager earned him his current role [5].
Sources
[1] Vincent, Gareth. “‘Unplayable’ Jefferson Montero the Best in the Premier League, Says Swansea City Boss Garry Monk.” South Wales Evening Post. N.p., 14 Aug. 2015. Web. 01 May 2016. <http://www.southwales-eveningpost.co.uk/Unplayable-Jefferson-Montero-best-Premier-League/story-27608511-detail/story.html>.
[2] Scott, Charlie. “Swansea’s Jefferson Montero.” Mail Online. Associated Newspapers, 13 Sept. 2014. Web. 01 May 2016. <http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2728026/Fantasy-Football-scout-Premier-League-s-hottest-players-Swansea-s-Jefferson-Montero.html>.
[3] Bryant, Toby. “Why Enner Valencia Has The Potential To Be A Brilliant Premier League Striker.” 90min.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 May 2016. <http://www.90min.com/posts/1099180-why-enner-valencia-has-the-potential-to-be-a-brilliant-premier-league-striker>.
[4] Upaadhyay, Aditya. “What Does Enner Valencia Bring to West Ham?”Unofficial Premier League Blog EPL Stats Tactics Podcast at Eplindexcom. N.p., 27 July 2014. Web. 01 May 2016. <http://eplindex.com/56727/enner-valencia-bring-west-ham.html>.
[5] “Gustavo Quinteros.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 01 May 2016. <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gustavo_Quinteros>.
How to cite this page:
“Ecuador” Written by Kevin He (28 April 2016), Copa America Centenario 2016, Soccer Politics Blog, Duke University http://sites.duke.edu/wcwp/tournament-guides/copa-america-centenario-2016-guide/copa-america-centenario-2016-team-guide/ecuador/ (accessed on (date))