Atlanta United: Is Ezequiel Barco finally ready to play like a star?
Is Atlanta United’s star finally breaking out?
The biggest storyline for this past weekend from Atlanta United was not just the end of a winless streak that was at 12 games. It also wasn’t beating the defending MLS Cup champions on the road.
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In fact, the biggest news for Atlanta United might have been the emergence of Ezequiel Barco.
In what is now his fourth season in MLS and with Atlanta United, Barco showed some signs of potential and growth this past weekend. Considering his rough go in MLS to date, Barco’s growth is welcome news for a team that needs more from one of its highest paid players.
Barco had two goals to spur Atlanta United to a 3-2 win at Columbus Crew SC and he said that the key for this performance came prior to the match.
“Preparation. I think we have to keep preparing 100 percent during the week leading up to these games because that is what helps you mentally, physically,” Barco told reporters after the match.
“And then just trying to take care of my body and avoid injuries because those things can keep you out for a while. So, just making sure we recover, focusing on your diet and nutrition and doing all of those things.”
It may all be the right thing to say, but it is welcome news for Atlanta United fans that their pricey import could be heading into form. Barco has never been bad for his club, but he’s also never fulfilled his lofty hype as one of South America’s top young playmakers.
It was Barco’s first multi-goal game in MLS since April 13, 2019.
Barco’s struggles at Atlanta United
Much more is expected of Barco, who was the largest transfer in MLS history at $15 million when Atlanta United signed him from Argentine side Independiente. But through four years, he has struggled in his role as a wide player with 13 goals and 11 assists in 66 appearances (49 starts).
His brace this weekend comes after registering an assist in Atlanta United’s 2-2 draw with CF Montreal on August 4. Finally some momentum for Argentine U23 midfielder.
If Barco can start to live up to that lofty transfer fee, then an Atlanta United side that has struggled this year could begin to build points and make a playoff push.
“I thought tactically he did a really good job. We asked a lot of him on the defensive side tonight, doing a specific role and he did that,” Atlanta United head coach Rob Valentino said after the match.
“And I believe that role created some more chances for him going forward. That freedom to get the ball the drive, like he did in the last game against Montreal. He was able to break through from midfield position and go. Even on the goal, I’m screaming pass it, and he continued to dribble and created the goal. Maybe I should do less of that and let him be more of himself. I did challenge him yesterday that he had one good game, he created two goals but you need to keep doing this. This is your job. He has a gift that I can’t teach or coach.” That gift, he needs to go on and produce with his creativity and taking guys on the dribble. Tonight, he put in a serious shift.”