Darlin Leiton: Baba Scouted

Ecudaor is a goldmine.

In BabaScouted, we appreciate a good talent from Ecuador because we know how well they can develop and adapt to bigger leagues. As Juan Gafas admits, in recent years, Ecuadorians have made a name for themselves. This is why today we are back to the Pacific South American country.

Darlin Leiton

Age: 19

Club: Independiente del Valle (Ecuador)

Position: Winger, Forward

Nationality: Ecuadorian

Market Value: 300.000 € (Transfermarkt)

Independiente del Valle has a squad full of talented youngsters, that are well aware of the club’s growing reputation and relationships with clubs in richer leagues. Moises Caicedo, Angelo Preciado, Alan Franco, Gonzalo Plata and others are paving the way for more IDV’s academy graduated.

Leiton is one of these talented youngsters, one who is still very raw. Mostly deployed as a winger/wide forward in the games I’ve watched, he had shown good potential to take on defenders 1x1 or in tight spaces, using good technical skills, quick feet and change of pace. He is not big, but his movement into the box and behind suggests he feels comfortable playing in the centre of the front line. When playing or drifting into the middle, he made penetrating runs several times, one of which resulted in his debut goal.

As mentioned, Leiton’ size is not massive but he looks fine for his age physically, and some work should improve most aspects. He does seem to work well off the ball, supporting the full-back when playing wide. 

He is still very much inconsistent and lacks quality where it matters, failing to complete take-ons and not impressing with his passes. Unlike previous players I’ve reported on from IDV, I cannot say Leiton will make it into higher levels for sure, and I think he needs more time in Ecuador to develop. However, he has some good skills, and he is a player worth following and checking on his progress in the future.

Photo via Darlin Leiton official Instagram account.