Jeremy Sarmiento hasn’t had loads of football at Middlesbrough this season, but the international break could give him a useful push.
The winger has played five Championship matches so far, totalling 180 minutes and scoring once. He’s now getting another chance with Ecuador after a very long spell away.
And things appear to have started pretty well.
Sarmiento catches Gallardo’s eye
According to Ecuadorian outlet El Futbolero, citing Radio La Red, Sarmiento has been one of the players to impress Marcelo Gallardo during his first training sessions with Ecuador.
The Middlesbrough man has apparently stood out during attacking exercises. His intensity and ability to beat players have particularly caught the attention of the new manager.
That’s huge given Sarmiento’s recent history with the national team. He hadn’t been called up for some time and was left out of Ecuador’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. His last appearance came all the way back in November 2024, in a 4-0 win over Bolivia.
That means he’s effectively starting again under Gallardo. The manager has already explained that he wants to see his players up close before forming firm opinions about them. Sarmiento therefore couldn’t have asked for a much better start.
Middlesbrough winger has a real opportunity
There’s another factor working in Sarmiento’s favour. Winger Gonzalo Plata is unavailable through injury, leaving Ecuador without one of their usual attacking options. That should create more room for others during this international break.
Sarmiento appears to be taking advantage. He arrived with some competitive football behind him from Middlesbrough, even if his minutes have been limited. His goal against Blackburn Rovers also gave him something positive to build on.
Now he has the chance to get more football with Ecuador and remind everyone what he can offer.
After nearly two years without playing for his country, simply getting back into the squad was already a step forward.
Making such a quick impression on Gallardo could turn this break into something considerably more useful for both Sarmiento and Middlesbrough.
