Valentín Barco a key piece in Strasbourg's success
RC Strasbourg Alsace have been one of the best Ligue 1 sides this year and a Premier League loanee is a big reason why.
Just before the winter transfer window closed, the Alsace club signed Valentín Barco (20) on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion for the remainder of the season. His versatility as a wingback has taken Strasbourg to another level in 2025.
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The Argentine has been a handful for opposing defences with his darting runs down the flank, winning 24 fouls for them in the league since his arrival.
Barco has been exceptional for this team as Le Racing have never lost a league contest with him in the starting XI.
He's won over 60% of his duels with a pass accuracy of over 80% (84.4), while collecting two assists. His skill with the ball and exquisite passing have made him a vital asset to Liam Rosenior's setup this year.
Strasbourg are undefeated at home in the French top-flight this year, netting multiple goals in all but one of their league fixtures at Stade de la Meinau in 2025.
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With 54 points after 31 league fixtures, Le Racing have their highest tally to this stage of a top-flight campaign in the last 40 years, and Barco has been a big reason they've piled up the points over the past few months.
Heading into their matchup with Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday, Strasbourg are just below OGC Nice on goal difference for a place in Europe next season.
Meanwhile, only two points currently separate them from a place in the top three, which comes with an automatic berth in the UEFA Champions League group phase next season.
GFFN | Joel Lefevre
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