Edwin Quintero played a full season for Independiente del Valle U-15. Quintero scored one of the three goals in the deciding match against Barcelona SC U-15. The midfielder also competed in the Next Generation Trophy (U-16) and the CONMEBOL Evolucion (U-14) tournament. I did a write-up about Quintero’s performances in the Next Generation Trophy. He mainly played as a central midfielder or on the right-wing in a free role to roam. Edwin Quintero scored 10 goals in 29 matches this season for Independiente del Valle U-15.
The midfielder is around 1.75m tall and has a slim build. Edwin Quintero has explosive speed over short distances, has an incredibly smooth running style and looks extremely quick for his age. He is also very quick over longer distances. Quintero changes directions very quickly and looks agile. The young Ecuadorian is strong on the ball, often managing to stay out of the duels. However, he needs to gain some extra muscle mass and bulk up (a bit) in the upcoming years. This will happen naturally, though.
Edwin Quintero mixes technical excellence and tactical intelligence. He has very special close control in tight areas and dribbles with both feet. The midfielder likes to dictate play and plays with the pass-and-move principle. He likes to play plenty of quick, short combinations. Quintero likes to take on opponents, using quick step-overs and creating separation easily. He always seems to have the ball on a string. Quintero has good vision, always maintaining his composure and finding the right option. His ball-striking is very good, being able to score from both close and long range with nice long shots.
He often plays with a high intensity, trying to make runs in behind and always trying to receive the ball between the lines. His smart positioning allows him to stay out of the duels and as he likes to play one- or two-touch football, it is hard to close Quintero down. His runs in behind are quite good and stretches the opponent’s defence. Defensively, he does not scare away from physical duels, looking strong and assertive in 50/50 duels and fighting himself back into the duels after getting beat.
My expectations for 2024 are that Edwin Quintero gets regular game time for Independiente del Valle U-17, whilst also getting some minutes in the U-15’s. I think that he will make his debut for Independiente del Valle U-19 towards the end of 2024, too. I think he will end up playing in a free role on the right, coming inside with his strong left foot. The 2008 & 2009 generation of Independiente del Valle is regarded as the best generation they’ve ever had and it is clear to see why. Edwin Quintero has the potential to become a world-class player.
Target Scouting 