Atlanta United Vs Herediano: 5 key players to watch – The two Martinez’s
By Josh Bouland
3. Ezequiel Barco
A lot of eyes will be on the Martinez players, but so too will people be watching Ezequiel Barco.
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The 19-year-old Argentine was Atlanta’s big offseason signing last year but didn’t impress anyone on the pitch during the 2018 season.
After missing the beginning part of the season with injury, serving a suspension for a club violation, and then starting only a handful of matches during the summer, Barco was reduced to a super-sub role with the team. He made a brief appearance during the MLS Cup final, despite the $15M Atlanta dropped during the offseason.
There were rumours that he might be loaned out some point during this past offseason due to the possibility of not being able to move Almiron to another club. But with Almiron now gone, Barco is in line for some form of role. Does he start? Does he play? Can he contribute? How does he handle the rumors of being loaned? So far in the preseason, he looks to be playing an important role in de Boer’s system. And on Thursday, we will finally get a concrete look to see for ourselves.