Michael Estrada Reborn Under Gustavo Álvarez, Becomes Liga de Quito's Star Player

Michael Estrada's performance at the start of the 2026 season was far from his previous form. After a strong 2025 season where he was a key offensive player for Liga de Quito, the striker lost prominence in the first half of 2026 due to injuries, technical decisions, disciplinary problems, and a noticeable lack of goals. However, the situation dramatically changed with the departure of coach Tiago Nunes.

Under the brief interim of Patricio Hurtado and especially with the arrival of Gustavo Álvarez, the Ecuadorian striker has once again become the team's main offensive reference. Estrada is currently enjoying his best moment of the season. During Tiago Nunes' tenure, Estrada played 18 matches across Liga Pro and Copa Libertadores, scoring only one goal and providing three assists in nearly 800 minutes. This is a stark contrast to his 2025 performance, where he was Liga de Quito's top scorer with 18 goals and five assists in 53 games.

The turnaround began in the team's last five matches. Across the three games managed by Patricio Hurtado and the first two under Gustavo Álvarez, Michael Estrada re-established himself as the lead striker, regaining his scoring touch. In this period, he has recorded seven goals and three assists, making him Liga de Quito's top scorer for the 2026 season. His goals have directly impacted results, including crucial goals in matches against Manta FC, Barcelona SC, and Delfín, securing seven points for the team in the championship. He also scored a hat-trick in the 6-0 victory over Leones FC in the Copa Ecuador, advancing the team to the quarterfinals.

Overall in 2026, Michael Estrada has played 22 matches, scoring 8 goals and providing 3 assists, surpassing Deyverson's seven goals and solidifying his position as the team's leading scorer. He has been directly involved in 11 goals, averaging an offensive contribution every 118 minutes. Gustavo Álvarez has quickly identified Estrada as his key offensive player, trusting him as the starting striker. If Estrada maintains this level, he will be vital for Liga's ambitions in both the LigaPro and Copa Ecuador, and could become one of the most outstanding Ecuadorian players in the latter half of 2026.