Chelsea-bound Valentin Barco has emerged as a rare bright spark for Strasbourg, with the Argentine midfielder earning plaudits despite their UEFA Conference League loss.
Valentin Barco has grown massively during his time at Strasbourg. Since joining, he has successfully transitioned into more of a central midfielder, mostly thanks to Liam Rosenior.
His performances have consisted of a high volume of progressive carries and a relentless desire to dictate the tempo, a trait that has gone missing at Chelsea.
While he struggled for consistent minutes during his initial stint in the Premier League with Brighton, there’s a new look about Barco in his new position.
And it looks as if Barco is set to become one of Chelsea’s first signings in the summer transfer window after agreeing a six-year contract.
Say Chelsea can only strengthen in one position this summer, which ONE would you choose?👀
Chelsea v Port Vale - Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final
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How Valentin Barco fared for Strasbourg against Mainz
Writing a player ratings piece after Strasbourg’s 2-0 loss to Mainz, Maxifoot were fair in their assessment of Valentin Barco for his display in the middle of midfield.
Valentin Barco (5.5): At the origin of the rare, dangerous situations, the Argentine midfielder was the main driving force of Racing. Capable of breaking lines and bringing cohesion, the Albiceleste tried to speed up the game despite the context. Very close to reviving his team with a shot on the bar, the South American embodied the late awakening.
A 5.5 may not look great on paper, but he was the second-highest rated player in a losing side, with Chelsea loanee Mike Penders getting a 7/10 for his display.
You can only pick ONE, Chelsea fans 👀
Champions League qualification or FA Cup trophy for Chelsea
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Valentin Barco’s stats against Mainz
Valentín Barco’s performance in Strasbourg’s 2–0 Conference League quarter-final defeat to Mainz was a story of isolated brilliance amidst a disjointed team display. Operating as the creative hub for the French side, Barco was the only player consistently capable of breaking Mainz’s lines.
Valentin Barco made two out of three successful dribbles, 86 touches, a passing accuracy percentage of 81, created three chances, 12 passes into the final third, one out of four accurate crosses, three out of four accurate long balls, one tackle, six recoveries, one clearance, and four out of eight duels.
All stats via FotMob.
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