"He has the characteristics" – National manager explains shock call up for Aston Villa player

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Aston Villa signed Enzo Barrenechea from Juventus in the summer but Unai Emery didn’t think he’d get enough opportunities in the first team this season.

He was subsequently sent to Valencia on loan, where he’s had something of a mixed time with the struggling Spanish club. That he was called up for the latest Argentina senior squad was therefore something of a surprise.

The Villa midfielder’s call-up caught the attention of the Argentine press too and manager Lionel Scaloni was asked about it in a press conference yesterday.

The Argentina boss had a clear reason for the decision and he said, as relayed by TYC:

“He plays football well, he plays well with the ball, he has a strong physique, set pieces, and can play in all three positions in the midfield, both as a number 5 and as 8 or 10. He has the characteristics of a midfielder for the national team."

Speaking further about whether Barrenechea will play the next two games or not, Scaloni said:

"Whether he will be part of the two qualifying matches or not, we will see. He is here and for now he is getting to know his teammates and that is positive."

Barrenechea showed some of his promise in the past in Serie A but the fact that Scaloni is speaking so highly about the 23-year-old is a big positive.

It will put the player on the map and it will help him seek out a future at Aston Villa, who will have to keep tabs on his progress for Valencia and Argentina.

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