Anthony Montezuma is a 17-year-old winger and wing-back for Independiente del Valle U-17. Montezuma has also played as a wing-back for the U-18’s in the Copa Tango MDM, which Independiente del Valle U-18 managed to win. Independiente del Valle U-17 lost the semi-finals of the league against Barcelona SC U-17 after penalties. I previously wrote a scout report about Anthony Montezuma in August 2023 and have watched Montezuma a few times after that moment.
Standing at around 1.70m-1.75m with muscular legs and a strong upper body, Montezuma generates a lot of power from his legs. He is quick over short distances and very quick over long distances, especially in straight lines. Montezuma generates good power in physical duels, always holding his own despite not being the tallest player. He doesn’t win many aerial duels but displays good bravery and determination nonetheless. The Ecuadorian displays decent changes of directions and good agility but can struggle to get past his opponent from a standstill.
The Ecuadorian has played as both a right-winger and right wing-back before, but I like him more as a wing-back in Independiente del Valle’s attacking system. He is a smart player in possession, displaying good body manipulation to create extra time for himself and getting into the right positions. Montezuma has a good technique; he has a good first touch and is comfortable playing one-touch football. He currently isn’t always very effective in attacking 1v1s but has the characteristics of becoming more effective in 1v1s (good acceleration, decent changes of directions, good close control and good footwork). His finishing can be uncontrolled at times but it’s generally good, scoring many goals this season.
As a wing-back, he needs to be tested more defensively but he showed some good early signs after being converted to a wing-back in Independiente del Valle U-18’s 3-4-2-1. He covered runs in behind pretty well, also cutting passing lanes and intercepting passes. Montezuma is positively aggressive in duels but has the tendency to give away fouls. He seems to be a very dedicated, hard-working player.
My expectations for 2024 is that Anthony Montezuma will become a regular starter for Independiente del Valle U-19, although he will face competition from Gerald Mora and maybe Erick Cabal. I think Anthony Montezuma, especially with his determination, can become a very good wing-back in the future. I thought he deserved to be in the U-17 World Cup. As mentioned in my scout report, Montezuma has in my opinion the potential to play as a wing-back for a club that battles for European football in Portugal or Belgium.