Our Carabao Cup second-round tie against Luton Town last month gave Blues fans their first sighting of Valentin Barco, with the Argentinean catching the eye in midfield. Ahead of our next fixture in the competition, the visit of Leeds United, Xabi Alonso has assessed the 22-year-old’s start to life at Stamford Bridge.
On debut, Barco played the full 90 minutes in the middle of the park alongside Reece James. He had a hand in our second goal and created another couple of opportunities with precise passing. A few days after that Luton success, Barco made his Premier League debut as we closed out a victory over Brighton and Hove Albion.
Despite only arriving at Cobham midway through August following Argentina’s run to the World Cup final, Barco has quickly impressed Alonso in their short time working together.
‘He’s a competitor,’ said our manager. ‘You see this Argentine heart; he’s a fighter. He’s very good with the ball, he is very open to adapting quickly, and he is intelligent.
‘When you have this mentality and intelligence, it’s easier to have a better impact and he’s doing that.’
Against Arsenal on Sunday, Barco was an unused substitute, with Alonso preferring to end the game with Malo Gusto and Reece James occupying the midfield roles.
Yet the Blues manager insists that, as Barco continues to adapt to life at Chelsea, and with a long season ahead, there will be opportunities for our No.4 to make an impact at critical moments in matches.
‘It’s just three games in the Premier League and one game in the cup we’ve had, so it’s still early days for everything,’ said Alonso.
‘For each player and the team, many things will develop and things will happen. So, there will be chances for everyone.
‘He is patient and he is intelligent, knowing he has taken a big and important step coming from Strasbourg. Now the competition is good and he is ready for the challenge.’