Atlanta United’s interim head coach Rob Valentino has praised the form of Ezequiel Barco since returning from the Olympics with Argentina.
Barco joined the Five Stripes from Independiente 2018 for a then league record fee of 15 million dollars, which put a lot of pressure on his young shoulders.
Although he is undoubtedly talented, Barco has sometimes been frustrated by the lack of consistent production in the last third, while various niggling injuries have slowed his development.
But since returning from the Olympics, where he played in all three of Argentina’s matches, Barco has scored three goals and two assists on four trips, accounting for over 16% of his total direct goal contribution for Atlanta.
His most recent strike was the winner of the Five Stripes’ 1-0 win over Toronto FC on Wednesday. A result that leaves Atlanta just three points behind the playoffs.
After the match, Valentino noted his increased production, but also praised Barco’s work rate, which he believes does not get enough credit.
“He has been more productive, first and foremost,” Valentino told reporters. “I’m sure he feels pressure, which is good.
“I think a lot of people are probably criticizing his defense. I told our staff, when we played Montreal, they said, ‘We have to make sure we get our strikers to defend. “And I said, ‘that child defends. Make sure you watch this game and see him defend “.
“And you can check his numbers. He’s running. Now maybe I can give him better guidance on where to run. I can work on that. But he’s making some serious shifts. And all our players have, but you’re asked about Barco. And I looked at him in Columbus, in the 94th minute I think he sprinted across the field, made a slip tackle on Pedro Santos, then later in the game he picked up the ball, countered about 50-60 yards, dropped the ball, and then sprinted back 50-60 yards and came back in position for someone else.And I do not think people see that there.The child works.
“And now he’s adding production to it. It’s good to see. I hope he continues to grow, I hope he continues to drive because he wants to get better, he has big ambitions. And I hope we can help him to be a part of it. ”
The moment that secured 3 points‼ ️ pic.twitter.com/QQ2iyIcS0r
– Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) August 20, 2021
Barco himself gave credit to the environment for his latest hot line.
-My teammates make me feel good on the pitch, the coaching staff gives me the freedom to move around the attack and it gives me a lot of confidence and to be able to help the team, says the 22-year-old.
He added: “I feel good on the pitch, both tactically and physically. But this is just getting started, we are starting to win after a long time and we have to continue on this path to achieve more things.”
Atlanta United have won three MLS games in a row for the first time since August 23, 2019. Five Stripes will secure four when they travel to DC United on Saturday in Valentino’s final game before new coach Gonzalo Pineda takes over.
