The Villa loanee has been seen as one of the Reds’ most consistent assets, featuring across seven league starts so far.
His spot in the side was maintained against Newcastle in the Champions League on 21 October as the 24-year-old featured alongside Richard Rios in midfield.Barrenechea
Emery does have positive depth in his midfield, but there could still be room for a shrewd operator like the Benfica loan star.
Boubacar Kamara and Lamare Bogarde represent more defensive options, with Barrenechea in a similar mould to this trio.Jose Mourinho was right to back the ex-Juventus man as he put in a superb defensive shift at St James’ Park, despite the 3-0 defeat.
Barrenechea featured for 90 minutes, maintaining an 89 per cent pass accuracy while also creating one chance for his teammates.He could have featured well in the squad and likely represents a better and more progressive option than a 31-year-old Ross Barkley right now.
To let him go for such a low potential fee seems foolish, especially in today’s day and age, where transfer fees are becoming increasingly inflated.
There is reasoning behind his sale regarding PSR and the need to bring in funds, but losing players who could prove to be excellent is a risky strategy.The Argentinian also flourished defensively as he completed six tackles, three clearances, one interception and eight recoveries in the north east.
He also won nine duels on the night, the most on the pitch despite coming up against the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Nick Woltemade and Joelinton.The Villa loanee has been seen as one of the Reds’ most consistent assets, featuring across seven league starts so far.
His spot in the side was maintained against Newcastle in the Champions League on 21 October as the 24-year-old featured alongside Richard Rios in midfield.The Villa loanee has been seen as one of the Reds’ most consistent assets, featuring across seven league starts so far.
His spot in the side was maintained against Newcastle in the Champions League on 21 October as the 24-year-old featured alongside Richard Rios in midfield.The Villa loanee has been seen as one of the Reds’ most consistent assets, featuring across seven league starts so far.
His spot in the side was maintained against Newcastle in the Champions League on 21 October as the 24-year-old featured alongside Richard Rios in midfield.
