Wilmar Barrios -news and comments

This was the first time I've seen Boca play without the 433. They didn't look as electric as they typically do, but I feel the formation was chosen to have Barrios and Gago play their natural positions rather than force one to the side.

Either way, Barrios has become a true MotherF'er in that midfield.

 

This kid is extremely talented, he is similiar to kante defensively constantly running everywhere. He is pretty skilled with the ball too only problem i see is he seems to be playing with lack of confidence or something and his passing is inconsistent. Also in his position he should work on his cross field passes and switching play, I don't see him do it much. Although i haven't seen a ton of matches of him so maybe i'm wrong here.

 

Playing that #5 requires a very discipled role. On defense, take the ball away, limit gaps, limit shots on goal --that means mainly his job is to cut the other team's potential to score/pass. When he successfully does so and takes the ball away, he's usually still too close to his opponent and therefore transitioning to the other side or making a switch play (which requires time and space) should not be his 1st option out. That's why you hear Serna is counseling him on making sure he improves his #5 role constantly by not giving up the ball too easily in his side of the half by trying to do too much. That extra touch can cost him to not only lose the ball but as shown by the video (and vs Argentina at times), gives the other team all the space now behind his back, to quickly counter and possibly score.

On offense his role is to find the easiest link up play. The 5-15 yard pass to the AMF. Help transition the ball up the field.

 

Wow what a ********ing game, defensively his speed at closing down opponents and reading their movements is immense. He has a big future if he can keep growing as a player and take his possession and passing game to the next level. Players like Kante and Mukelelle before him are so valuable to a team, they always keep possession and recover possession at such an amazing rate it just fuels teams the ball, and they make it much easier on the CB's by covering so much space in the dangerous areas in front of them. The kid has a bright, bright future and competing for his spot at Boca seems to have really helped him grow and shown he can rise to a challenge.

 

Right, his priority should be improving how he releases the ball, its crucial for #5 to be able to find quick passes and know how to deal with pressure. I know i'm getting a little ahead of myself, but i'm thinking of when(hopefully) he makes his transition to Europe, he'll have to learn to make those long balls to switch play when in possession to become a great #5.

 

They surely love to call their dark players "Negro" any chance they have....

 

they've even done it to players that aren't even black, like "negro" Ibarra (Hugo Ibarra)

 

Another dominant performance from this guy tonight. Plenty of tackles, had a few standing ovations.

3-0 win over Independiente, and it seems like Boca is pulling away for the title.

 

That's a good stat considering he didnt start the season as a starter. He just recently became an undisputed starter.

 

Barrios salio reemplazado al 74