Aston Villa’s Enzo Barrenechea is ‘losing importance’ on loan at Valencia and the situation could be set to get worse soon.
That’s [at least according to Estadio Deportivo](https://www.estadiodeportivo.com/futbol/valencia/competencia-para-barrenechea-20241217-474969.html), who say the midfielder is falling down the pecking order under Rubén Baraja.
They explain that Barrenechea did not manage a single minute in the duel against Valladolid this weekend, further evidence he is not in favour with the Valencia coach.
The return of André Almeida and the improvement of Javi Guerra and Pepelu has ‘displaced’ the Argentine to a secondary role in the squad and there’s more competition to come from other players who are waiting for their opportunity.
Mouctar Diakhaby is expected to return to fitness in January, and when back at full strength he’s likely to be ahead as well.
This tough competition ‘directly attacks’ the playing time the Aston Villa loanee can expect in the coming months.
Barrenechea was the big surprise of the first half of the season, but everything now indicates that he’ll be a substitute again in the near future thanks to the options that Baraja has at his disposal.
It’s the latest disappointment for the youngster, [who found himself being rated 3/10](http://sportwitness.co.uk/aston-villa-loanee-given-just-3-10-after-being-hauled-off-another-relegation-may-be-on-way/) earlier this month after being hauled off against Rayo Vallecano.
What it means for January remains to be seen, but Aston Villa will surely be keeping an eye on the situation and assessing matters closely.