Valentin Barco starred in Chelsea's 6-3 win over Leeds United in the EFL Cup last night. He has proved that he should start ahead of Reece James in central midfield.
In just his third game for Chelsea, Barco scored and set up Danny Welbeck's goal that sealed the victory over Leeds. The Argentine started alongside 18-year-old Blues debutant Reggie Watson. However, Watson got booked and was replaced at half-time by James.
Chelsea has a midfield crisis right now after letting Enzo Fernandez join Manchester City. Fernandez had been a bad egg, as it was clear he did not want to stay at Stamford Bridge. However, letting him go so late in the window meant that the Blues were not able to replace him.
Moises Caicedo and Jordan Henderson are both injured, which has further limited Xabi Alonso's midfield options. Caicedo is the best defensive midfielder in the world, so he will start when he is fit, but his midfield partner should be Barco.
Valentin Barco will no doubt start more games now
Henderson is now 36, so he has been brought in more for his experience rather than what he can do on the field. James is naturally a right-back, and that is where he is most effective. The Blues were so limited on midfield options that James was playing alongside another full-back, Malo Gusto, in midfield in recent Premier League matches.
Strangely, Alonso has chosen to use Gusto and James in midfield, especially as Barco has been available. He was left on the bench against Fulham and Arsenal, and only made an eight-minute cameo against his former club, Brighton & Hove Albion. Barco began his career in Argentina with Boca Juniors, and with them, got to the final of the Copa Libertadores. However, they lost 2-1 to the Brazilian side Fluminense in that game. The midfielder then joined the Seagulls and got further experience in La Liga on loan at Sevilla.
He then went on loan to Chelsea's sister club, Strasbourg, before joining the Ligue 1 side permanently. Barco then joined the Blues in a deal worth £34 million over the summer. He also has five caps for Argentina and was part of their squad that made it to the World Cup final. Barco only featured once in a group stage match against Jordan in the tournament.
Barco is predominantly a midfielder, but he can also play on the left. He has staked his claim by impressing against Premier League opposition in the EFL Cup this week. Barco will no doubt get more opportunities to play in the middle of the park for the Blues after putting in that star performance against Leeds.
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