Manchester United And Aston Villa He has been linked with Pedro Witte in recent days, but his World Cup performances have clearly surprised even those who used to watch him every week in Mexico.
The Ecuador international has emerged as one of those names after impressing throughout the tournament, with both Premier League clubs being reported to be linked with the Pumas UNAM midfielder in recent days.
While his future looks increasingly away from Mexico, those close to Liga MX admit that they did not expect him to reach this level so quickly.
According to Ecuador express diaryMexican journalist Adrián Esparza believes that Witte has taken his game to another level during the World Cup.
"Not necessarily a top five player."
Esparza explained that Witte was held in high regard even before he joined the Pumas from the Vancouver Whitecaps last summer, recalling how he caught everyone's attention during the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup Final.
After arriving in Mexico, the 24-year-old quickly established himself as an undisputed starter, and became the player responsible for setting the Pumas' pace in midfield.
Nevertheless, Esparza insists that his performances at the World Cup are a far cry from what most have seen in Liga MX.
"Vite's level is very consistent. He is not necessarily one of the top five players in Liga MX, but he always stands up for his club with good performances." he explained.
That consistency, coupled with a productive partnership with Adalberto Carrasquilla, helped the Pumas reach the Clausura final – a remarkable feat for a club whose teams are rarely among the strongest in Mexico.
"Pedro leads Pumas to final," Esparza added, highlighting the midfielder's impact.
World Cup has changed the picture
Perhaps the most notable part of Esparza's assessment is that Mexico believes the World Cup has showcased an improved version of the Vitae seen every week in Liga MX.
According to Diario Expresso, his performances for Ecuador have significantly raised his international profile, giving him the benefit of playing alongside established names such as Moises Caicedo and Willian Pacho.
His reputation off the field has also worked in his favor. Esparza described Witte as a player who "Want to train and stay at home"Having said that he avoids controversies and focuses almost entirely on football.
This growing reputation comes as reports link him with Manchester United and Aston Villa.
As we covered earlier this week, People around the Pumas expect Witte to leave this summerHis departure is being seen as a matter of time rather than possibility.
For the clubs who followed him from England, the World Cup appears to have confirmed something that even regular observers of Mexico have fully appreciated over the past few weeks: Pedro Vitae may have reached a new level as soon as the transfer window opened.
