When Ezequiel Barco was named to Argentina’s U-20 World Cup squad, the immediate impact would be the loss of Atlanta United’s playmaker for a few weeks of the Major League Soccer season.
As the season has gone on, the impending absence of Barco appeared to be more worrying as Atlanta have struggled to find good form without their blistering winger.
What Barco was able to display on Saturday has to put the club at ease as one of their top prospects impressed in Argentina’s first match of the competition. If he can continue his impressive display, then Atlanta will be eager to have the 20-year-old playmaker back in the line-up as soon as possible.