Argentina secured a 2-0 win over Honduras in the early hours of Sunday morning as Valentin Barco and Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez both featured ahead of the World Cup.
Goals from Lautaro Martinez and Giuliano Simeone secured a comfortable win for Lionel Scaloni’s 2022 World Cup champions, as they look to defend their title this summer in America, Canada and Mexico.
Are you excited by Barco’s summer arrival?
Rosenior's Strasbourg star is incoming.
Chelsea are yet to confirm the signing of midfielder Valentin Barco from Strasbourg officially, but it is widely believed he will move to Stamford Bridge. Barco has already said goodbye to Strasbourg’s fans.
Barco started against Honduras as Scaloni’s men eased to a 2-0 win, while Fernandez entered the game just after the hour mark, replacing Lyon attacker Thiago Almada. An easy win at the Kyle Field in Texas.
What Argentine media said about Barco and Fernandez
Barco was heavily involved during his 45-minute outing, completing an impressive 51 of 55 passes in the first half and touching the ball on 66 occasions. An impressive showing, quickly getting it and releasing it.
Speed of play is important to Xabi Alonso’s style, and Barco showed he is more capable of that. Indeed, Alonso is said to be a big fan of Barco, and Chelsea fans were impressed by their potential new signing.
Argentine website TyC Sports were slightly harsher on Barco, handing him a rating of 6/10: “In a position we haven’t seen him in much, almost as a double pivot, slightly further to the left.
“Although he struggled a bit defensively, he showed versatility in short passing combinations and also in breaking lines with through balls. He played only the first forty-five minutes,” TyC Sports continued.
TyC also gave Fernandez a 6/10: “The feeling is that Enzo improves the team and makes them play freely. He takes on responsibilities that bring a breath of fresh air, which is why it’s crucial he’s always there.”
Why Valentin Barco could be perfect for Enzo Fernandez
The belief is that, at the end of the World Cup, Fernandez is likely to join Real Madrid. But if he is to stay, it will be because of the lure of Xabi Alonso and possibly the chance to play with Argentine pal Barco.
The duo did not play together last night, but it is likely both will share the pitch at the same time during the World Cup. The stats prove that, perhaps, in front of Moises Caicedo, they form an ideal trio.
PROVE ME WRONG: No midfielder is more perfect for Caicedo, than Barco 🔟
Chelsea have reportedly agreed a deal for Barco.
Indeed, Barco and Fernandez suit each other well. Barco is left-footed; Enzo is right. The latter is better known for his late runs into the box, scoring goals, and passing in transition. Barco takes more risks.
While Fernandez rarely runs with the ball and tries to go past players, Barco does that. He averaged 4.12 progressive runs with the ball last season, compared to Fernandez’s 1.88. They complement one another.
Fernandez is neat in possession and gets the goals, the big moments. Barco’s ability to provide the engine room in the middle of the park will help give Fernandez the freedom to do what he does best.
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