Chelsea midfielder Valentin Barco has said he would like to see his compatriot Cristian Romero, who recently left Tottenham, join the club. In a wide-ranging interview, the Argentine also discussed changing position, overcoming difficulties after moving to Europe and adapting to the Premier League's demands.
The 22-year-old spoke to journalist Gaston Edul and his brother on their YouTube channel. One of the topics was a potential move for Romero.
Asked to imagine himself as a Chelsea owner and name a player he would be willing to spend any amount on, Barco answered without hesitation:
Cuti.
After it was clarified that he meant Cristian Romero, the midfielder confirmed his choice.
Romero previously played for Tottenham, Chelsea's fierce rivals.
Starting from scratch in Europe
Barco began his career at left-back but eventually made a permanent move into midfield.
Here in Europe, I initially played more often as a full-back. I remember that, at the time, the main thing for us was simply to get playing time, prove other people wrong and show that I was capable of playing comfortably at this level.
Gradually, my position changed and I began to get used to playing in midfield — either further forward or as part of a defensive midfield pair. Now I play permanently in central midfield and I feel very comfortable there.
The Argentine stressed that he no longer sees defence as his main position.
I enjoy playing as a defensive or central midfielder most. For the national team, I played further forward more often, and in Europe I played in a defensive midfield pair. But I like both roles equally and I can play in either.
Even if I were playing in Argentina now, I would still choose central midfield — either in a defensive pair or in a midfield three.
Barco also recalled how difficult it was to adapt to European football after playing in his homeland.
People here aren't particularly interested in what happens in Argentine football. You can be a star at home, but then you arrive in Europe and nobody even knows who you are.
It brings you back down to earth a little. You have to start almost from scratch. At first you don't understand what's happening at all, but that's how European football works.
It's a kind of shock, but it's also a motivation. You want to prove your worth and earn recognition again. That comes with time.
Even so, Barco never considered returning to Argentina.
No, I never seriously thought about returning, because I was confident I was good enough for European football and capable of becoming an important player at a big club.
Of course, it's a shock when you go from being well known to a situation where nobody knows you and you have to prove everything all over again. But it also motivates you. That's life, that's football.
Everyone in the Premier League is like a robot
According to Barco, the main difference in English football lies not only in the standard of the opposition but also in the physical demands.
Of course, you have to change physically, because everyone here is like a robot.
But it's not just about muscles. You have to change your diet, your rest routine and your tactical preparation. Much more attention is paid to all of that here, and when you change your habits, your physical condition improves too.
The midfielder believes it is almost impossible to succeed in Europe on talent alone.
No, talent alone isn't enough here. I would even say it's impossible, because you play every three days and your opponents are racing around the pitch.
Football has become much more competitive. Even the smaller teams are very strong physically, so you have to match their level.
Barco also explained how his daily routine has changed.
In Argentina I already had a good routine, but here you train much more and do more work in the gym.
It's the same with nutrition. You're treated, so to speak, like a robot. At the same time, you have everything you need, you're constantly monitored and that helps you reach your maximum level.
Comparing European leagues, the Argentine called the Premier League the strongest in the world.
Ligue 1 is a very demanding league physically, but the Premier League is undoubtedly the best in the world. The level of skill here is unlike anything in other leagues. I think that's the main difference.
At the end of the conversation, Barco was asked which of his goals he had celebrated most emotionally. He chose his first for Chelsea.
My first goal here, for Chelsea.
