Unai Emery can’t ignore what Aston Villa loanee Barrenechea has done amid Argentina development
Unai Emery can’t ignore what Enzo Barrenechea is doing on loan away from Aston Villa after being called up to the Argentina squad.
The 23-year-old joined the Villans in the summer transfer window as part of a swap deal with Juventus for Douglas Luiz, alongside Samuel Iling-Junior.
The midfielder wasn’t even afforded the chance to make a competitive decision in B6 before being loaned out to Valencia for the season.
This was disappointing to the majority of Villa fans who had enjoyed his performances in preseason, especially against Walsall, but it is safe to say things are going well.
Unai Emery can’t ignore Enzo Barrenechea at Aston Villa after Argentina call-up
Barrenechea has started the season in a positive fashion which has seen Lionel Scaloni call him up to his Argentina side, shared via X on 5 November, for the upcoming international break.
With this latest development, Emery can not ignore the loanee and must pay close attention ahead of his return to Villa Park.
In his latest appearance for Valencia, the ex-Frosinone ace grabbed his first goal of the campaign in a frustrating late 1-1 draw against Getafe.
The 23-year-old started and featured across 84 minutes which saw him have 28 touches but only completed 11 passes which Emery would want to see more of.
The Argentine scored with his only shot, maintaining a 100 per cent conversion rate while also making two passes into the final third, making his presence felt going forward even if that isn’t the main part of his game.
The midfielder did have more influence defensively as he contributed with two interceptions and two recoveries despite not being the deepest midfield of the trio for Los Ches.
Barrenechea also won six duels while being fouled twice showing his combative nature in the middle of the pitch.
This has clearly impressed his national team and now Emery has to stand up and take notice of the Villa loanee ahead of his return to the club next summer.
In other Aston Villa news, this is how Unai Emery has helped one star to reach his best level at Villa Park.
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