Even with the increase in global football coverage and the amount of games available to watch online, the World Cup can still provide even the most seasoned football watchers with their first glimpse of burgeoning talents from across the globe.
With their vast scouting networks, clubs themselves will already have their eyes on a number of players participating in the tournament, but an inclusion in their country’s starting XI and some impressive displays on the world stage can be the final piece of the puzzle to convince clubs that a player is right for them.
The World Cup provides a high pressure environment which quickly separates the ones which can handle it from those who can’t.
Wilmar Barrios is one such player who matches the above criteria, and the defensive midfielder has been linked with Tottenham Hotspur in recent days before even playing a minutes football at the World Cup.
The Colombian still plays his football in South America, having moved from Deportes Tolima in his home nation, to Argentine giants Boca Juniors. His career progression so far is successful in terms of South American domestic football, but he now looks set to make the move to Europe.
24-year-old Barrios is one of a growing number of players who are staying in South America into their 20s before moving continents. Compatriot Yerry Mina was 23 when he made his move to Barcelona in January, and this World Cup contains a number of players who have been dubbed “breakout stars” but are too old to be defined as “wonderkids”.
Barrios is a defensive midfielder who, according to Colombian football journalist Simon Edwards, could slot into any side in the world. His ability to do a job in front of the back four, winning loose balls in the centre of the park and recycling possession, makes him the ideal player for the base of a midfield in almost any tactical setup.
Tottenham will be looking at him as an alternative and possibly an eventual replacement for Victor Wanyama, as Barrios possesses many of the same characteristics as the 26-year-old Kenyan.
But, as is often the case with South American clubs, Boca Juniors are keen to keep the player until January as they want him to hang around for the rest of their Copa Libertadores campaign.
The season in most South American leagues runs for the calendar year rather than from August to May as is the case in Europe, and the Libertadores is the most prestigious competition on the continent, up there with Europe’s Champions League. The knockout stages begin in August, and Boca have a good chance of progressing. They’ll want their World Cup stars, including Barrios and Argentina’s Cristian Pavon, to be around at least until the end of the year.
Barcelona have already seen their move for highly rated Gremio midfielder Arthur delayed until January for the same reasons, and Boca are reported to have offered Barrios a new deal with improved terms in order to convince him to hang around a little while longer.
Barrios is also reported to have a £14.5m release clause in his contract which puts Spurs in a strong position. They already have one Colombian in the camp in the shape of Davinson Sanchez, who they will no doubt be using to help convince his compatriot that a move to North London, working under Mauricio Pochettino, is right for him.
Colombia are in a group from which they’re expected to progress by finishing top of the pile ahead of Poland, Senegal, and Japan. They could well face England in a high-profile last sixteen clash if Gareth Southgate's team finish second and Colombia finish top of their group, or vice-versa.
Barrios isn’t a guaranteed starter for Colombia, but he’s a likely one. If Spurs are determined to get the player they would do well to meet that release clause and sort a contract with the player before a clamour for his signature ensues.
