Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and Brighton have all been linked with two of Boca Juniors’ most exciting youngsters. Valentín Barco reckons both are ready to make the jump to Europe.
The Chelsea midfielder knows Tomás Aranda and Leonel Flores from Argentina’s youth national teams. Having made the move from Boca to English football himself, he’s in a decent position to judge what might come next for them.
And he’s convinced both will eventually follow him across the Atlantic.
Barco has now spoken about the pair in an interview back in Argentina. He praised their quality and singled out Flores for the sort of attacking play that gives defenders a headache.
Chelsea midfielder expects Aranda and Flores to reach Europe
Speaking to local journalist Gastón Edul and his brother on their YouTube show, Barco was asked for his opinion on the two Boca Juniors youngsters. He didn’t need much convincing to praise them.
“They’re very good. I’ve played with both of them in the national team and I think they’re incredible players.”
Asked whether Aranda and Flores have the quality to play in Europe, his answer was even more confident.
“Yes, yes, definitely. I think they’ll come over to play here sooner or later.”
The interviewers then wanted to know whether he also considered them good enough for Argentina’s senior national team.
“Yes, they’ve both been with the national team and performed really, really well. I like them both a lot. They’re players with different characteristics, but they’re both very, very good.”
Barco came through Boca’s academy before making his own move to Europe. He’s since experienced the demands of English football and established himself at Chelsea.
PL sides have both gems on their radar
Aranda is attracting serious attention from Chelsea and Arsenal. The two London clubs are linked to the young Boca Juniors playmaker.
The midfielder is regarded as one of the Argentine club’s promising talents. Barco’s comments provide another indication of how highly he’s rated by those who’ve worked alongside him.
During the interview, Aranda was described as more of a traditional Argentine “enganche”, the creative player operating behind the forwards.
Barco agreed with the distinction between him and Leonel Flores, although he didn’t go into much detail about Aranda’s individual qualities.
Flores, meanwhile, has been heavily linked with Tottenham and Brighton, and Barco had a little more to say about his playing style.
When the interviewers pointed out that Flores is a more direct player than Aranda, the Chelsea midfielder immediately agreed.
“Yes, Flores is very dangerous. He gets the ball, runs straight at you and takes you on.”
He then explained just how persistent the youngster can be.
“Every single time, he takes you on. And for a full-back, that’s… Well, he drives you mad.”
So he wants the ball, looks for his opponent and isn’t afraid to try his luck repeatedly. Barco knows that can be a nightmare for defenders, having spent part of his own career playing at left-back.
And while Aranda’s creativity and Flores’ direct running make them very different prospects, Barco clearly believes both have the quality to take the next step.
