Valentín Barco: Strasbourg's all-action Argentine
While the likes of his countryman Joaquín Panichelli and winger Diego Moreira have caught the headlines in Strasbourg's strong start to the season, Valentín Barco has been the Alsatians' "secret ingredient" -- learn more about the talented young midfielder in our latest "One To Watch."
"Practically the best player in the league"
While we wrote about Barco just three weeks ago, his star has since risen even higher, and with his joining Panichelli in being called up for Argentina's upcoming friendly against Angola on Friday, his story is worth revisiting. In the time since we've last written on him, though, he turned in a stunning, man of the match performance in a 3-0 win over Auxerre, scoring his first goal since joining the Alsatians on loan earlier this year.
His complete display also included recording three key passes, and making the most tackles and interceptions, allowing the front three plenty of creative freedom. Speaking in l'Équipe, journalist Bernard Lions called Barco "practically the best player in the league," echoing the lively displays that Andrey Santos turned in last year for Strasbourg but also those of his countrymen in seasons past.
VAMMMMOS!
Congratulations @colobarco and @Panichelli1 https://t.co/oFbL4zAt1y— Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace English (@RCSA_English) November 7, 2025
A first call-up in 18 months
His play has now seen him rewarded on the grandest stage, as he -- along with Panichelli -- has been called up by Lionel Scaloni. It's his first call-up in 18 months, when he featured in a friendly while still with Brigton & Hove Albion. He joins fellow Ligue 1 McDonald's players Nicolás Tagliafico and Geronímo Rulli and is now part of a grand tradition of combative and versatile Argentine midfielders who plied their trade in the French top flight:
Ángel Di Maria - Paris Saint-Germain 2015-22
While Di María's incredible technical ability and range of passing are what most recall about his time in the French capital, "Fideo" was more than that. Capable of playing on the left or right with aplomb, his tireless workrate also saw him play more than 30 times in midfield, as he and Blaise Matuidi added plenty of effort to support their teammates.
Leandro Paredes - paris saint-germain 2019-22
Nicknamed "El Heredero," Paredes joined PSG from Zenit Saint-Petersburg, having (like Barco) come through the academy at Boca Juniors. A battling presence never shy of a booking, he and Marco Verratti were no strangers to the red mist, but with three major titles for his country, his play spoke for itself.
Lucho González
The classic example of both a cult hero in the French top flight and of the versatility that Barco embodies, González was a record signing for Les Olympiens and he helped the side win a Ligue 1 title as well as three Coupe de la Ligue crowns. With more than forty caps for his country, he helped the Albiceleste to two runners-up finishes in the Copa America.
