The Ecuador national team continues to establish itself as one of the leading forces in South American football and, in an interview with MARCA during the 2026 World Cup, Miguel Ángel Ramírez shared his thoughts on some of the key factors behind La Tri’s remarkable growth in recent years.
The Spanish coach highlighted the team’s defensive strength, which he considers one of the best in international football. “They possibly have the best defence in the world,” said Ramírez when referring to a generation of players competing for some of Europe’s biggest clubs and helping raise Ecuador’s competitive level on the global stage.
Miguel’s words carry particular significance because of his close connection to Ecuadorian football. During his time at Independiente del Valle, he played an important role in the development of several players who now form the backbone of the national team. Names such as Willian Pacho, Piero Hincapié and Moisés Caicedo are part of a generation that has helped turn Ecuador into one of the most exciting footballing nations in the world.
In the interview, Ramírez also praised the work carried out over many years within Ecuador’s youth development system and the country’s ability to produce players ready to compete at the highest level. In his view, this success is no coincidence but the result of a long-term model built on trust in young talent and the holistic development of players.
Years after his time in Ecuador, Miguel Ángel Ramírez continues to watch with pride as a generation he helped develop keeps growing and looks ready to continue making history for Ecuadorian football.
