Barco was once again a figure and completes a perfect month: the millionaire that River will pay to keep the pass

Esequiel Barco is the player of the month. He doesn’t stop earning daily limits. And it is no less. In the last seven games (between the local tournament and the Copa Libertadores) he has scored 4 goals, given 3 assists and his average per clarion He had about 8 stitches. Thus, he became a key piece to this unstoppable River leader in the league.

Barco was a figure against Independiente. He paved the way to victory with a bomb from outside the penalty area, where he stopped in case he rebounded after a blocked ball. And it came after a bad ground pass by Iván Marcone. He had just enough ball to land a terrible right foot that nailed into the left corner of the goal overlooking the Sívori stand and Rey could do nothing despite his best efforts to try and block the shot.

Out of respect, Barco didn’t celebrate and threw up his hands in apology. He left Independiente and with the Reds he was champion of the Copa Sudamericana 2017, in which he was fundamental as he scored the 1-1 goal from a penalty spot in the rematch against Flamengo at the Maracana, which gave the title to the team then led by Ariel Holan after winning the first leg 2-1. After that party in Brazil, Barco left for Atlanta in the United States to play in the MLS.

From there returned to Argentina in January 2022, requested by Marcelo Gallardo. And beyond the anger it may have generated in some Independiente fans, there was generally no hard feelings. Rojo’s supporters in the Libertadores de América proved it when they cheered and cheered on him during River’s visit – including a Millionaire victory – in August last year.

On that occasion, Barco played a correct but not decisive match like in this last round at the Monumental. The thing is the striker turned into an attacking midfielder, in addition to the first goal, he assisted Miguel Borja in the second goal. First of all he played a ball so that the Colombian was hand in hand with Barreto and – after winning the scrum – the Colombian decided to make Monumental shout and settle the match.

Barco is showing all the potential that Gallardo has seen in him to take him to the River but with the Doll he has not been able to exploit. Since the arrival of Demichelis, in a new position, it has been released and is booming. He plays inside, behind the attack line and is decisive for his speed and his prompt resolution in the final meters of the pitch. But he also moves back to cross the ball line and lend a hand to the midfielders in recovery.

Barco is on loan until the end of the year as River is paying $4.4 million ($2.2 million per season) for two years. AND from January 2024 he will be 100 per cent a club player as River pays another 7 million dollars (in six installments) to keep all of his token. Furthermore, he has already been insured until the end of 2026 since they signed a contract until December of the same year.