Atlanta United: Ezequiel Barco dazzles for Argentina at U-20 World Cup

It was a dream start for Ezequiel Barco and Argentina at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Can the Atlanta United playmaker continue to shine?

When Ezequiel Barco was named to Argentina’s U-20 World Cup squad, the immediate impact would be the loss of Atlanta United’s playmaker for a few weeks of the Major League Soccer season.

As the season has gone on, the impending absence of Barco appeared to be more worrying as Atlanta have struggled to find good form without their blistering winger.

What Barco was able to display on Saturday has to put the club at ease as one of their top prospects impressed in Argentina’s first match of the competition. If he can continue his impressive display, then Atlanta will be eager to have the 20-year-old playmaker back in the line-up as soon as possible.

Barco’s best moment in the match was his 71st-minute volley that stole the show. It was his second goal of the match after converting a spot kick just a few minutes before. This goal will certainly go down as one of the top strikes of the competition.

The match itself was an offensive showcase as both Argentina and South Africa combined for a total of 39 shots. Barco was instrumental in Argentina’s success as they got off to a fantastic start.

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Argentina should be favored to progress from their group as Portugal and South Korea remain as their opponents in the group stage. The tournament is a 24-team competition, which means a third-place finish in the group could see Argentina through to the knockout phase and extend Barco’s absence from Atlanta United’s campaign.

Barco is clearly one of Argentina’s top players and he will continue to get plenty of minutes as the tournament continues. This spell with his country appears it will only help the Argentine improve in a big stage competition. He has scored four goals in eight appearances for Atlanta this year and his goalscoring form doesn’t appear to be going anywhere anytime soon.

If Barco can replicate his form when he returns to Atlanta, the 20-year-old has the potential to be a team leader offensively as the defending MLS champions try and regroup after a disappointing start to 2019. He can play a massive role in Atlanta’s attempt to resurge up the Eastern Conference table.

All eyes will continue to be on Barco as he carries the banner for Atlanta United at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.