What would Boca Juniors young left-back Valentin Barco bring to Pep Guardiola’s squad? The Argentinean youth international has long been touted as a target for Manchester City. A recent report by Steven Kay of footballtransfers.com indicates he has chosen to sign for the European champions. If the report is correct what would Barco bring to the Etihad?
Valentin Barco is an attacking left-back who can also play on the left wing if necessary. For Boca Juniors he primarily operates at left-back. Given Manchester City’s lack of an out and out left-back he could slot straight into the role.
As a player Barco is an attacking left-back. Due to playing his youth football on the left-wing he possesses immense dribbling and crossing ability. His dribbling ability has been a feature of his career at Boca Juniors so far. He is also extremely quick and has good acceleration which means he is rarely caught of position. Those attributes would make him a welcome addition to the European champions squad. Given his age the Boca Juniors academy product has plenty of untapped potential. That is something that Pep Guardiola could tap into if he were to arrive at the Etihad.
According to totalfootballanlysis.com Barco has experience playing as an inverted full-back. This would be another welcome addition to Pep Guardiola’s squad. Given the success of Rico Lewis in a similar role having the option on the left of defence could open up endless possibilities for the City manager.
Due to his age and small stature Valentin Barco does have work to do on the defensive side of his game. Barco is only 19 years old so he has time to develop this side of his game.
If a move does go ahead it appears that Manchester City would be buying a potential star of the future.
