Pervis Estupiñán
Primary left-back option for NT
Estupinan is an established contributor on the left flank of his country's defense and will operate as one of the squad's main creative assets in the World Cup.
Analysis: Estupinan remains Ecuador's first-choice left-back and one of the team's most important players in possession. The defender brings experience from multiple top European leagues following his spells with Villarreal, Brighton and AC Milan, giving him a level of pedigree few players in the squad can match. His most recent club season was somewhat inconsistent due to injuries and competition from Davide Bartesaghi, but those factors shouldn't affect his standing with the national team. Ecuador regularly relies on him for both attacking and defensive duties on the left flank, making him a valuable two-way contributor. During the World Cup qualifying stage, he featured in 13 games, failing to score or assist but delivering a team-high average of 1.5 chances created per game.
Clears disqualification
Estupinan completed a one-game ban in Sunday's 2-1 win over Genoa.
Analysis: Estupinan will be eligible to play against Cagliari next Sunday and likely deputize Davide Bartesaghi. He has scored once and notched 10 crosses (five accurate), nine clearances and five tackles (two won) in his last five showings (three starts), although he's been an unused sub in four of the last seven rounds.
Suspended for Genoa contest
Estupinan recorded two crosses (one accurate), drew two fouls and was cautioned for the fifth time in 10 minutes in Sunday's 3-2 loss versus Atalanta.
Analysis: Estupinan didn't see a lot of action in this one and won't be an option for the next tilt because of yellow-card accumulation. The coach would have to adapt a player to the left wing if something happened to the starter Davide Bartesaghi.
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