Being the ‘next big thing’ in soccer is always difficult. A lot of times, the most hyped-up prospects flame out before they reach the potential scouts and fans assigned them. Atlanta United’s Ezequiel Barco, once considered one of the crown jewels of the Argentina youth setup and destined for future European stardom, enters the 2021 season facing a crossroads.
In late 2017 everything was going right in the lives of both Atlanta United and their future Designated Player. The Five Stripes were in the midst of a wildly successful inaugural season that would see them become one of the first expansion clubs to make the playoffs.