Valentín Barco Fits Argentina's Squad Race With Left-Back Opening
valentín barco has pushed his way into Argentina's conversation for the squad with a strong showing against Islandia and the kind of character the team wants as it chases a repeat title. Nicolás Tagliafico's injury has opened the left-back spot, and Barco is now part of that fight.
Barco’s range in Argentina
He was one of the best footballers in the double round of pre-World Cup friendlies, and the case for him is built on more than one outing. Barco played on the left, on the right, and at times as an attacking midfielder, which gives Lionel Scaloni more ways to use him if he stays in the group.
The coach knows him well. That familiarity matters because the decision is not only about talent at left-back but also about how a player fits a squad that will seek a repeat title. The writer who made the argument would choose Lisandro Martínez over Barco for the left-back role today, but would rather keep Barco as a midfield option.
Lisandro Martínez at left-back
Martínez is the direct alternative. He has already played as a left-back for Manchester United and during his time at Ajax, where he excelled in that role and often replaced Tagliafico.
That makes the left side a real competition rather than a simple opening for one player. Barco brings versatility and edge; Martínez brings a track record in the same spot, plus the comfort of having covered for Tagliafico before.
Nico Paz and the squad picture
Rodrigo De Paul was asked in Miami which player he thought would be Argentina's big surprise, and he named Nico Paz without hesitation. Paz is another player who excites the writer, and both he and Barco are viewed as possible jewels in North America.
The sharper question for Argentina is how much room there is for that kind of talent when the squad is built for a title defense. The line from the argument is plain: the character of Colo Barco is what is needed to be in Argentina's squad that will seek the bicampeonato.
