Nico Paz returns early to Como, ready to lead Champions League push

Nico Paz returns early to Como, ready to lead Champions League push

Nico Paz has surprised everyone at Como by cutting short his post-World Cup break to rejoin his teammates ahead of the new season. The 21-year-old Argentine playmaker was spotted at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, watching Como's friendly against Arsenal from the bench, and is now fully integrated into Cesc Fàbregas's squad. According to Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb, Paz had been expected to return only after Ferragosto, but his early arrival has sent a clear signal of intent ahead of a campaign that will see Como make their Champions League debut.

On Sunday, Como face Liverpool in two friendlies at Anfield, and while Fàbregas has already stated that Paz will not feature in those matches, the former Real Madrid youngster is already training with the group. The club's coaching staff are managing his workload carefully, but his presence on the touchline and in the dressing room has boosted morale. As AS.com reports, Paz is considered the "spearhead" of the project that the Lombardy club has built around the former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder.

The weight of expectation on a 21-year-old playmaker

Paz's decision to return early is not just a gesture of commitment; it reflects the scale of the challenge ahead. Como finished last season in a European spot, earning their first-ever Champions League qualification. The club, owned by the Indonesian Hartono family, have invested heavily in infrastructure and playing staff, but Paz remains the symbol of their ambition. He was the standout performer in Serie A last season, scoring 12 goals and providing six assists, numbers that convinced the club to trigger their permanent purchase clause from Real Madrid.

That transfer was not without sacrifice. The Spanish giants included a buy-back clause, reportedly set at €80 million for 2027, which gives Real Madrid the option to bring him back to the Santiago Bernabéu. For now, however, Paz is fully focused on Como. His decision to stay was a personal one, as he told the club's media channels that he believes in the project and in Fàbregas's vision. The coach, who has been instrumental in Paz's adaptation since his arrival in August 2024, has compared the midfielder to players like Kaká and Iniesta, praising his physical qualities and his ability to make the difference in the final third.

A summer of change and a chance to make history

The early return comes after a demanding summer for Paz. He was called up by Lionel Scaloni for the 2026 World Cup, where Argentina reached the final and ultimately lost to Spain. Paz had limited minutes in the tournament, but he used the experience to fuel his motivation. In a recent interview, he congratulated Spain on their victory but vowed to "bring this Cup back to Argentina" in future tournaments. That competitive fire is exactly what Como will need as they prepare for a Champions League group stage that will pit them against some of Europe's elite.

Fàbregas has been careful not to overload Paz, but the coach's public statements underline how central he is to the team's plans. "He has the physique and the quality," Fàbregas said earlier this month. "He can be one of the faces of the Serie A for years to come." The Italian media have echoed that sentiment, with AS.com asking whether Paz can become the breakthrough star of the 2026-27 season. His ability to operate between the lines, his vision, and his eye for goal make him a unique asset in a league that often prioritises tactical discipline over individual brilliance.

The bigger picture: a new generation leading Europe

Paz's rise is part of a broader trend in European football, where young attacking midfielders are increasingly the focal points of ambitious mid-tier clubs. Como's investment in Paz is a bet on talent over pedigree, and the early signs are paying off. With Real Madrid holding a buy-back option, there is an incentive for Paz to perform at the highest level in the Champions League to either secure a return to his boyhood club or attract other suitors. For now, he seems content to be the main man in a project that is not afraid to dream.

His early return also highlights a shift in player preparation. In an era where squads are deeper and schedules are denser, the most committed players are those who return early to build chemistry. Paz's decision to watch his teammates from the bench at the Emirates was a small gesture, but it resonated with fans and staff alike. As Como prepare for the biggest season in their history, they know that their number 10 is all in.

Fàbregas will be hoping that Paz's energy translates on the pitch when the Serie A campaign kicks off. The first match after Ferragosto will be the real test. But with the Champions League anthem on the horizon, the boy from Tenerife who chose Como over the Bernabéu is ready to write his own story. Whether that story ends in Europe or in a return to Madrid, one thing is certain: Nico Paz is no longer a promise, he is a reality.

As the season approaches, fans will be watching closely to see if he can emulate the feats of other young stars who have used the Champions League as a springboard. For now, the early bird has already caught the worm – and Como are reaping the rewards.