Does the Serie A have a new ‘La Joya’? At only 21 years old, the Argentinian attacking midfielder Nico Paz is tearing up the Serie A this season. The young Argentinian has registered 8 g/a in 11 games for Como. With the Italian side currently managed by Cesc Fabregas, earning himself multiple call-ups to the Argentinian national team, making his debut last month, assisting Lionel Messi in a 6-0 win over Bolivia.

Paz signed for Como in August of 2024 on a four year deal from Real Madrid. Where he rose through the ranks and made appearances for both the first and the B team in Madrid. His talent and flair didn’t go unnoticed, with Paz being brought against Italian side Napoli in the Champions League scoring his first senior goal for Madrid. However, despite being let go by Madrid, they still included a buyback clause showing how much they value his potential.

Last season, Paz was still adapting to life in Serie A, registering 15 g/a in 35 games. For a debut campaign, those numbers were respectable and brought attraction from other clubs across the globe. But Como stood firm, rejecting all the offers. Paz has hit the ground running this season. Wearing the iconic number 10 shirt. He has now already surpassed half of his total from last year by November, proving himself a key attacking force. His standout performances have helped push his team toward the top end of the Serie A table.

” Nico is a very good player; we need him.”

The trust Paz has been given is paying off, with the young Argentinian already being called up to the national team twice already this season. Paz is quickly becoming one of Argentina’s most promising midfield options heading into next summer`s World Cup. His vision, composure, and skill could prove essential, particularly with Di María retired and Messi nearing the end of his playing prime.

Paz`s role is reminiscent of Paulo Dybala, both being left-footed and having a silky but exciting type of flair to their game. Having both Paz and Dybala fit for Argentina, especially at the World Cup, could cause some trouble for opposing teams. Although, at the moment, Dybala is currently sidelined, after injuring himself taking a penalty against AC Milan.

This gives the perfect opportunity for Paz to cement his spot in Lionel Scaloni`s team. Paz still has competition in the midfield area. With the more experienced: Lo Celso, De Paul and McAllister. All of whom are proven performers for both club and country. With the form Paz is in, he will be difficult to ignore.

The new ‘La Joya’?

Dybala’s story is very bittersweet; once thought be Messi’s replacement, he struggled to shine for the national team. His similar role to Messi in the national team really dampened his impact for them. He was key to Juventus; his technical ability and creativity led to his highest scoring season coming in the 17/18 season, scoring 22 goals in the Serie A, although he has never reached over 20 goals in all competitions since.

The arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo helped bring back the Dybala we know, but yet again recurring injuries kept him on the sidelines and disrupted his rhythm yet again. He then decided a new chapter was needed and left Juventus on a free. He then moved to Roma in a bid to reignite his career. Mourinho trusted Dybala, giving him a key role in his team, helping them win the Conference League, and giving Roma their first piece of silverware in years. His form didn’t go unnoticed, with Dybala being picked for the 2022 Argentine World Cup squad, a similar situation to what he is in now.

With Argentina looking for a future without Messi. Paz has the opportunity to become one of the main pillars for the next generation of Argentina. The tools, trust and momentum Paz has them all. Giving him the opportunity to be the long-term creative midfielder for Argentina. As the World Cup looms, could Paz be key to helping them keep their champion status?