(AS) - I bukur. Thjesht i bukur. Aq i bukur sa ishte e pamundur të mos uleshe në tribunat e “Stadio Sinigaglia” të Comos dhe të mos e shihje ndeshjen e Nico Pazit kundër Manchester United. Ai luante sikur po shijonte një ndeshje futsalli me shokë të enjten në mbrëmje.
Two goals so good that picking a favourite is almost impossible - and an assist for Douvikas - helped Como to a 4-1 victory. As the Italian team struggled to catch their breath and dictate the pace without being caught by their opponents, Paz continued to push forward, producing moments of brilliant skill and showing a willingness to work tirelessly for his team. He was so difficult to stop that both Andrey Santos and Baleba were booked for trying to stop him.
Until last season, many were hesitant to give Paz a maximum grade - 10. Everyone was waiting to see if he could handle the hardships. After all, the character of a champion - and the true measure of a player with great potential - is revealed by how he copes with difficult times and comes out on the other side.
It's only October and Paz has already answered this question.
He hadn't scored since the start of September, leaving many wondering where the Argentine's brilliance had gone. But Cesc Fabregas offered a straightforward explanation after Como's goalless draw with Roma, putting the speculation into perspective.
"People always judge Nico by his assists and goals, of course, but he was involved in the two or three most important games against Roma," said Fabregas. "He is essential for us, and he has just started his third season as a professional. He has travelled and played with the national team. I am not worried. I have been through this myself. The ups and downs are normal."
And when Como needed someone to carry the team on his shoulders and lift their game above the ordinary, Paz delivered. That's what happens when you face Premier League opposition, even a team like Manchester United that has looked far from its best. Paz proved that he has lost none of his brilliance and that the enthusiasm surrounding him is anything but exaggerated.
In fact, his name is on everyone's lips throughout Italy and Europe.
These dips in form are a natural part of a gruelling season, especially for Como, who are navigating a busy first season in Serie A and the Champions League, often playing twice a week. With Paz dismissed and Fabregas' side performing well, there's no need to get caught up in the ongoing debate in Italy about whether teams should prioritise attractive play or simply find ways to win.
Como's formula embraces both philosophies and is working in all competitions.
Coming out of a goalless spell with a performance in Serie A against Fiorentina and then delivering on the international stage against Manchester United, contributing goals and providing assists throughout, reveals something else about Paz. He has feet, but he also has brains. And more brains.
His decision to stay at Como for another season, improving his game before taking a bigger step, had already offered a glimpse into the Argentine's mindset. He was thinking long-term, prioritizing development rather than rushing towards the next big move.
Now, that perfect 10 is well deserved. Enough with the reservations, no more questions.
Nico Paz is showing that he is a very special player.