Pablo Barrios, Atlético Madrid's new young star
"Pablo Barrios? He shows it, he's a young boy, very focused. He has a great future, it depends on him. Together we will support him." Marcos Llorente was full of praise for his team-mate after the Colchoneros' 2-0 win over Real Oviedo in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday. The 19-year-old scored the second goal of the game in a slick 43-second move to seal a place in the last eight for Los Colchoneros.
Pablo Barrios, who had already scored against Arenteiro (1-3), has recently made his mark on the Atletico Madrid squad. Better than that: it seems he already won a starting place after just two games played with the first team. Quite a rise. This Sunday, against FC Barcelona, the midfielder will perhaps be in the starting XI. Great chance to shine even more brightly.
A pure Rojiblanco product, whose influence is felt throughout the team
Like Saúl Ñíguez before him, Barrios first played for Real Madrid as a child. He then moved to the other side of the city to hone his skills. The youngster joined the Colchoneros academy in 2017, at the age of 14, and has never left the club since.
Solicited by Diego Simeone during this bad season, he has been part of the first team squad in the Champions League several times. He made his debut for Atlético against Cadiz last October (3-2 for the Andalusians). Unfortunately, the team's lack of form did not allow him to reveal himself fully. This did not stop him from getting back on the pitch in the Champions League a few days later, against FC Porto (2-1 for the Portuguese).
From then on, he was able to capture the interest of his coach and begin to make a place for himself in the team. His goal in the post-World Cup recovery did Atletico a world of good, as they were finally able to get some breathing space.
Barrios' selflessness and willingness to go forward have been the miracle cure for a sickly Rojiblancos side that has lost momentum and confidence. His interventions and his creation of space allowed Atletico to move forward more easily, while keeping possession of the ball. It's a real breath of fresh air that gives the other players the desire to excel.
"Barrios is a boy who plays the ball without fear, with personality, with responsibility, with sacrifice, with a vision of the game and who wants to play forward," said Diego Simeone after the game against Elche (2-1).
An obvious impact on the game
Against Elche on December 29th, Barrios was given a start and played for 79 minutes. His presence in the midfield to link up with Joao Félix and Antoine Griezmann was crucial to Atletico's victory. Whether it was at the back or when pressing, the canterano transformed himself to turn the game around.
So much so that one of his perfectly-weighted passes to the Portuguese striker in the third minute should have resulted in a Rojiblanco goal. As should the one he attempted in the 48th minute had Griezmann been able to find the net.
Barrios' vision and alertness have led to good opportunities, if not goals. In the last few games for Madrid, he has been by far one of the best in the game. Perhaps he could be again this Sunday, in the important game between Atletico and Barcelona?