Colombia produced one the best performances of the World Cup to date in their 3-0 win over Poland on Sunday. It was primarily the attacking players who stood out, with the forward-most four of Juan Cuadrado, Juan Quintero, James Rodriguez and Radamel Falcao all involved in the goals. But there was also a strong defensive display from Yerry Mina, and an impressive showing from midfielder Wilmar Barrios.
The 24-year-old was tireless in covering ground to press and win the ball. In the first couple of minutes, he got across quickly to make a sliding challenge near the byline; 90 minutes later, in second-half stoppage time, he still had the energy and determination to chase back with a runner in behind to slide in and clear.
That sort of effort and dedication is nothing new for Barrios. He grew up in a poor neighbourhood on the outskirts of Cartagena in northwest Colombia. Football offered him a way out. When his family couldn’t afford to send him to practice, he took to filling plastic bags with water, freezing them and then going out onto the streets to sell them as ice.
His ability to run and run and run, to fill gaps and provide cover wherever required has powered his rise from Deportes Tolima onto Boca Juniors and then to the national team, and drawn apt comparisons with Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante. He also shares the Frenchman’s ability to get the ball moving quickly once possession has been won.
On Sunday, Colombia broke forward at a rapid pace, and Barrios played his role in that. Of the 54 passes he attempted, 41 were aimed forward. It usually only took him a touch or two to release. He was a little rushed at times, but he found his target more often than not.
Indeed, Barrios did exactly what was required of him in what was only his third start for Colombia in the last 12 months. His consistent performances in domestic and continental action for Boca Juniors in Argentina -- a league that regularly acts as a finishing school for Colombian footballers -- have not yet earned him a regular place in the national team.
But the suspension of Carlos Sanchez -- sent off for his handball in the early stages of the defeat to Japan in their opener -- gave him his chance, and he responded perfectly, bringing balance to the midfield and making a strong claim to hold onto his place from hereon out. Coach Jose Pekerman was certainly full of praise for him in his post-match press conference.
Sanchez is likely to come back into the starting XI against Senegal on Thursday in a match that Colombia realistically need to win to ensure their presence in the knockout stages. The probable absence of Abel Aguilar, their other experienced midfield operator, will see to that. Barrios has, though, done enough to believe that he will be the one in there alongside him.
If Colombia can secure their place in the last 16, England are possible opponents in a match that might provide a first up-close glimpse of a player whose future could lie on British shores. Tottenham Hotspur have been heavily linked with Barrios in recent times, and he would certainly be well-suited to their energetic pressing game.
A couple more performances like his one on Sunday would, however, be sure to increase competition for his signature.
