Player Profile: Pervis Estupiñán

Brighton’s dynamic left-back, Pervis Estupiñán, was born on January 21, 1998, in Esmeraldas, Ecuador. Renowned for his speed, stamina, strength, and occasional thunderbolt strike, his journey has taken him from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most highly regarded fullbacks in European football.

Injury has held Pervis back in recent times, but he is now firmly on the comeback trail and remains a hugely popular figure in Brighton fan forums, and with punters assessing the top UK bettingoffers.

Here, we look back at his protracted journey to the footballing summit – encompassing more loan clubs than permanent sides.

Early Career:​

Estupiñán began his football journey in his hometown of Esmeraldas, where he honed his skills on the streets and local pitches. His talent was quickly recognised, and he joined the youth academy of LDU Quito, one of Ecuador's most prestigious clubs. His rapid progression through the ranks caught the attention of scouts, leading to a move to Udinese Calcio in 2016, before a move to Watford one year later.

Rise to Prominence:​

Immediately loaned out to Almeria in Spain following his switch to Vicarage Road, the subsequent seasons saw Pervis experience further loans - to, Mallorca and Osasuna. It was at Osasuna during the 2019-2020 season that the emerging talent experienced his breakout year. Playing a pivotal role in Osasuna's impressive campaign, Estupiñán showcased his defensive solidity and attacking flair. His performances earned him widespread acclaim and attracted interest from top clubs across Europe.

Climbing the Ladder:​

In July 2020, Estupiñán secured a permanent move to Villarreal CF, signing a long-term contract with the La Liga outfit. His arrival bolstered Villarreal's defensive options and provided a potent attacking threat down the left flank. Before long, he had established himself as a key player for the Yellow Submarine, contributing defensively and offensively and continually improving all aspects of his game.

Next Stop, the Premier League:​

As is often the case for the top young talent, the Premier League was the next logical step for Pervis. In the case of Estupiñán, the switch to Brighton made particular sense given his athletic style, physicality, and quality – the Ecuadorian boasted all of the attributes needed to succeed. And succeed, he has.

A near ever-present down the left flank during Brighton’s excellent 2022/23 campaign, he rapidly became the latest advertisement for the Seagulls' exceptional recruitment system. 2023/24 hasn’t run quite so smoothly - mainly due to niggly injuries - but when in the side, Estupiñán has continued to put in elite-level displays.

Style of Play:​

Estupiñán is renowned for his blistering pace, which allows him to overlap effectively and provide width in attack. His ability to deliver pinpoint crosses into the box makes him a constant threat from the left flank. Defensively, he is tenacious in one-on-one situations and excels at intercepting passes and making crucial tackles.

International Career:​

Estupiñán made his debut for the Ecuador national team in 2018 and has since become a regular fixture in the squad. He has represented his country in various international competitions, including Copa America and World Cup qualifiers, with his performances for club and country earning him praise from fans and pundits alike. As of April 2024, he has picked up 38 caps – and four goals – for the national side, with the likelihood that there will be many more to come.

Off the Pitch:​

Away from the field, Estupiñán is known for his humility and work ethic. He remains grounded despite his success and actively engages in charitable endeavours to give back to his community. His dedication to both his craft and his roots serves as an inspiration to aspiring footballers in his homeland, England, and youngsters all around the world.