Atlanta United: Ezequiel Barco’s battle with expectations

Ezequiel Barco arrived in MLS full of expectations. As the 2018 season concludes, Barco’s play has Atlanta United fans asking: Is he worth it?

The teenage sensation Ezequiel Barco made headlines in MLS even before he stepped foot on the pitch or even signed a contract. The 19-year-old Argentinian arrived in Atlanta via the most expensive transfer fee in Major League Soccer history, costing the club $15 million.

The record-setting fee gave Barco an immediate target on his back for opposing clubs and Atlanta supporters.

After an inaugural season that saw the Five Stripes make the playoffs, Atlanta United failed to bring back Argentinian midfielder Yamil Asad who impressed both fans and managers across the league, while also making Atlanta sports’ history when he scored the club’s first-ever goal in a 2-1 loss against the New York Red Bulls.

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In order to fill the Asap-shaped hole, Atlanta brought in the young star, despite rumors linking Barco and European giant Atletico Madrid. The expensive transfer fee and the task to replace Asad gave Barco more than enough pressure heading into his first season in Major League Soccer. With only a small portion of the 2018 regular season remaining, many Atlanta supporters are questioning what the record-setting transfer brings to the table.

Barco began his inaugural MLS campaign already behind schedule, missing five games for Atlanta United with a right quad strain. However, the absence did not affect the Five Stripes, who went on to win four of the first five games of the season.

Barco made his first-ever Atlanta United appearance at home in front of the Atlanta faithful against New York City FC on April 15. The Argentinian was subbed on in the 70th minute, replacing Kevin Kratz, and finished out the game while earning a draw against the New York Club.

Ever since that historic debut, the teenager became a regular in the Atlanta starting XI and only had to wait two more games for his first goal for the Five Stripes when he beat Chicago goalkeeper Richard Sánchez en route to a 2-1 victory over the Fire.

After scoring the elusive first goal, Barco scored four goals in total in MLS, while earning two assists in 20 games played. However, his presence on the team has not gone without drama. The Argentinian was forced to serve a three-game suspension after he was rumored to have participated in romantic activities with a teammates’ girlfriend.

The suspension made Atlanta supporters ask themselves: Is Barco really worth it?

After breaking the MLS transfer fee record, the Argentinian was expected to become an immediate and versatile piece for the Atlanta attack. Perhaps four goals was not enough for the Five Stripe faithful.

Since the three-game suspension, Barco has appeared in the starting XI less frequently than before, most recently starting on the bench but replacing Hector Villalba when Atlanta traveled to Colorado and earned a 3-0 win over the Rapids. Many Atlanta supporters agree with Tata Martino’s decision to start Barco on the bench as the attacking depth of the Five Stripes has continued to dominate without the teenager’s presence.

Ezequiel Barco arrived in Major League Soccer full of expectations. Maybe he has fulfilled his role perfectly. Or perhaps he has yet to make an impact on the already deadly Atlanta attack. This has been a battle with what was anticipated, a battle that Barco might just be losing.