Valery Gladilin questions Barco’s potential as a Promes successor for Spartak Moscow
Valery Gladilin, once a player for Spartak Moscow, voiced uncertainty about whether Ezequiel Barco can step into the role left by Quincy Promes. According to Sports Express, the two players are fundamentally different in their approach and strengths, making any direct comparison challenging. Barco operates primarily as a midfielder with a forward-leaning contribution, while Promes was recognized as a charismatic leader on the field. Gladilin emphasized that it is not easy to predict whether Barco will emerge as a long-term leader for the team.
Barco gathered significant experience at River Plate, where he made 28 appearances across all competitions in the previous season, tallying two goals and seven assists. The young Argentine talent has been called up to the Argentina Under-20 and Under-23 national teams, and he has earned three caps with the Olympic squad. His international exposure reflects a pedigree that clubs often value when contemplating a transition at the top level.
Spartak’s recent match against Orenburg, the opening round of the Russian Premier League, took place at Gazovik Stadium in Orenburg. The home side secured a 2-0 victory in front of their supporters, a result that underscored the need for sharp adaptation as the season unfolds. Analysts noted that the result highlighted the team’s areas of improvement and the potential impact Barco could bring if integrated effectively into the midfield and offensive structure.
Looking ahead, Spartak is scheduled to travel to Moscow’s outskirts to face Khimki in the next round. The game is slated for July 28 at Arena Khimki, with kickoff set for 15:00 local time. The tactical questions surrounding Barco’s role persist, but coaches remain focused on how his creative playmaking and pace can contribute to a more dynamic attacking scheme. Observers in Canada and the United States have shown interest in how Barco’s development might influence Spartak’s performance in the league and European competitions, especially given his track record with youth national teams and his experience in high-pressure environments.
Earlier discussions around Barco’s impact on Lionel Messi’s game surfaced in media conversations, hinting at the broader expectations placed on his creativity and decision-making. Such speculation reflects the attention Barco has attracted from fans and analysts following his progression from youth systems to senior competition. The evaluation of his influence remains ongoing as coaches evaluate how his abilities translate to the demanding rhythm of top-tier football.