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Ezequiel Barco: Everything You Need To Know About Atlanta's New International Phenom

Here's the rundown on the young Argentine who is already exciting Atlanta United fans.

Alison Grace Schwab

Jan 31, 2018

Johns Creek, Georgia

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Ezequiel Barco: Everything You Need To Know About Atlanta's New International Phenom

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As a soccer fan in the city of Atlanta, if you haven't heard the news by now, you must have been living under a rock: on January 19th, Atlanta United confirmed its purchase of the Argentine teen phenom Ezequiel Barco from Independente for an MLS-record $15 million transfer fee.

And if the team's social media is any indication, they are hoping he will be a stalwart at attacking center mid for years to come.

So, why all the hype? What makes this kid worth that much? And how will he jive with the other high-profile players Tata Martino and company have signed this offseason?

Here's the rundown on the ATL's new #8.

The Basics

Name: Ezequiel Barco

Country of origin: Argentina

Age: 18

Position: Attacking center midfielder

Price: $15 million

Pedigree: 5 goals in 38 appearances with Independiente in Argentina's Primera Divison, 8 appearances with the Argentina U-20 team, scored the penalty that won the 2017 Copa Sudamericana.

Why is he coming to Atlanta United?

This question has several answers, but only one has been confirmed to public knowledge, so let's start there: the bank-breaking transfer fee would be persuasive to any player, but beyond that, it is thought that Tata Martino's massive influence in Argentian and South American soccer played a role.

How will he be used?

Barco figures to be a force in midfield, which will be helpful as the team looks to fill the hole left there after Yamil Asad's departure in December, although the team's relentless pursuit of Barco might have contributed.

He will likely play on the left wing, where he was most successful during his previous tenure. It is still possible given his versatility that he would play at the forward position. If Martino opts for a 3-5-2, the attacking trio of Martinez, Barco, and Almiron would tear up any field they step foot on.

Why the hype?

First off, the signing of a top South American talent to MLS instead of one of the higher-profile European teams is unprecedented. Atlanta United have set a new bar for ambition in this league.

Secondly, for one so young, he is a very technical player, clearly possessed of an outsized talent that is being compared to Messi's and Atlanta great Chipper Jones. They don't call him "The Creator" for nothing.

Check out these highlights:

Bonus:https://www.dirtysouthsoccer.com/atlanta-united-fc...

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Ezequiel Barco: Everything You Need To Know About Atlanta's New International Phenom

Here's the rundown on the young Argentine who is already exciting Atlanta United fans.

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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