Nico Paz is taking the Champions League by storm: Europe's elite are watching
The Champions League is the biggest stage in club football and the ultimate test of talent. Amidst the brightest lights in Europe, Nico Paz is shining.
Paz's performances have got European football's giants on watch. The 22-year-old has dazzled for a Como side who have taken their first Champions League campaign in their stride.
Como are fourth in the league phase table, behind only back-to-back champions Paris Saint-Germain, record winners Real Madrid, and last season's runners-up, Arsenal. It's esteemed company to keep.
On Wednesday night, the Serie A side thrashed Lens 9-1 to equal the record for biggest winning margin in the Champions League era. It followed a 4-1 thrashing of Manchester United earlier in the competition. Como have equalled the record for the most goals scored by any club in their first four major European matches (19), matching Queens Park Rangers in 1976.
At the centre of it, has been Paz.
The Argentine now leads every player in the Champions League for goal involvements this season, with eight in just four games. A goal and two assists against Lens swelled his total to three goals and five assists in this season's competition. He's averaged a goal involvement every 40 minutes.
Only two players have ever recorded more assists in their first four appearances of a single Champions League edition: Raúl in 2002/03 and Neymar in 2016/17, with six apiece.
It's no wonder Europe's top teams are looking.
Premier League interest is reportedly growing, with Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea among the clubs monitoring the playmaker.
Real Madrid could hold the key to Nico Paz's future
It's Real Madrid, however, who hold the cards.
Como secured Paz's future with a €60m agreement last summer, acquiring the remaining 50% of his economic rights. However, Real Madrid retained a unilateral €80m buy-back option for summer 2027. It remains eligible only for next summer's transfer window, giving Madrid an ultimatum.
With Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz all options at the Bernabeu, there seems no obvious space for Paz in Jose Mourinho's plans. Regardless, his current level of performance indicates it's a matter of time before an elite European name comes calling.
Como's rise has been remarkable, but their greatest challenge could yet lie ahead. Building a team capable of competing with Europe's elite is one achievement; keeping that team together when the continent's biggest clubs come calling is quite another.
