29 May 2026 07:40:53
Barco makes the Argentina World Cup squad. For anyone who's interested, Pythagoras in Boots has done a pretty good and balanced review of him as a player on YouTube.
29 May 2026 08:42:24
Thanks, J. I will check it out.
29 May 2026 18:09:00
Thanks, J, and it makes for an interesting watch and listen. Seems that the overall verdict is that Barco is far from elite midfielder status as yet, but has plenty of potential, is good at dribbling out of tricky defensive situations, and has a fair amount of imagination and skill in picking a creative, potentially defence-splitting pass when not far outside the box, and is physically robust when on the ball, i.e., hard to knock off it. But he also often gives away possession with overly ambitious or inaccurate long passes from midfield, is a bit slow tracking back, and shooting from distance is not great.
But if his vision for killer passes improves further, and he is more composed re shooting, and more accurate with long passes and final-third decision-making, he could yet become an elite player. Hope this is more or less a fair summary. Seemed to be that Pythagoras in Boots thought he may play best in midfield, though he may be OK at LWB if Alonso opts for back 3. Perhaps PinB slightly favoured him over the Palace alternative midfielder, Adam Wharton, though both have strengths and weaknesses. Barco not necessarily a starter for CFC? Depends who leaves, perhaps...
29 May 2026 18:43:02
I think he'll see plenty of mins, but wouldn't expect him to be a key starter - yet.
The issues raised, trying the overly ambitious pass too often and naivety with his positioning, highlighting his lack of recovery pace, can be coached out relatively quickly at the top level.
I'm going to be really interested to see what Alonso does with him.
Pib did highlight the success he's had with a non-physically impactive WB in Grimaldo. I imagine the temptation will be there to do the same with Barco. Personally, I think Barco could really excel in that role, but we'll have to see what happens with him.
29 May 2026 20:18:24
I don't know anything about Barco so I am totally open minded. Let's hope he can at least keep fit, unlike some of our recent signings, who spend most of the season on the treatment table. That would be a good start.