[EL] Valentin Barco: 90% of people who talk about football don't know football.

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– The Shining Present at Strasbourg

“I think this is the best moment in my career. Both in terms of performance and having been able to show enough on the European stage. Yes, I definitely feel like this is the peak of my playing career.”

“I already knew about the French league. I watch a lot of football, and I watched French games. I got the impression it was a highly competitive and physical league. At first, I thought it might not suit my style well, but I felt I could adapt easily. And the manager’s style of football was a big reason too. He wants us to play through passes and maintain possession. Both factors played a role.”

“The people who undervalue the French league, honestly, I don't think they've properly watched the games here. It’s an extremely competitive league where there is hardly any space. Most games involve man-to-man marking, and to open up the game, you have to win those one-on-one battles. I feel it’s a truly difficult league, and in Europe, I think it’s the most similar league to the Premier League.”

– Lack of Understanding from the Media and Public Revealed in Analysis

“I think 90% of the people who talk about football haven't actually watched the games, or even if they watch, they don't truly understand football. When I first arrived at Strasbourg, people just said I was a full-back. But anyone who knows football would have realized that when we attacked, I moved inside to play, and only played the full-back role defensively. When we had possession, I sometimes moved like a left interior midfielder.”

“This season, I’m playing midfield completely. I’m playing centrally, either on the right or the left, and moving into various zones depending on the opponent. The manager has given me a lot of freedom. I feel comfortable in all the positions I mentioned. So, limiting myself to saying I’m only a left-back or a central midfielder feels like I'm restricting myself. I can play comfortably in any position.”

“I think the tactical side of things is crucial to everything. Ultimately, it’s what decides the game, and it’s what managers emphasize the most. I watch the movements of many midfielders very closely, observing the spaces they move into. The manager helps me a lot with this, showing me game footage of where I should move when I have the ball, and constantly explaining tactical concepts for when I don't have the ball.”

– Role Models and Versatility

“When I was young and played full-back, Marcelo was my idol. As a midfielder, I really like Paredes. He’s technically gifted and always chooses the best pass. In Europe right now, Vitinha is really impressive, and I think he, Moises Caicedo, and Pedri are the best midfielders. I try to absorb a little bit of each of their strengths and implement them in my own game.”

– The Difficult Dream of the Argentine National Team and the 2026 World Cup

“The Argentine national team is the best national team in the world, and that roster is the hardest list in the world to get into. Everyone is an elite player; they are truly top-tier. It won't be easy to be included in the World Cup squad, but I have confidence. I need to maintain the level of performance I'm showing now. Playing in the World Cup for the national team is a dream, but it requires a lot of hard work.”

“Yes, he is the greatest player of all time. Sharing a locker room with Messi is the dream of every Argentine player, no, every player worldwide. Everyone wants to play with Messi. Not only is he incredible as a player, but he’s a great person, and we are very grateful for everything he has shown us.”

“Argentina has the best midfielders in the world. They are all truly exceptional players. If I get to the national team, I will try to help the squad, gain experience, and earn playing time. The subsequent decision is up to the coach. But as I said, I want to maintain my current form and show that I can handle both full-back and midfield. In tournaments with many games, a player who can cover multiple positions is more valuable. Getting to the World Cup is really tough, but I’m continually working to achieve that dream.”

“Argentina is the best national team in the world. Of course, they are one of the World Cup favorites. The World Cup is a really difficult tournament, and now you have to win eight games to win the whole thing. Anything can happen. But because they have already proven they are world-class, I definitely think they are favorites.”