FRISCO, Texas – Much was made of FC Dallas’ signing of speedy Colombian winger Michael Barrios just two weeks before the start of the 2015 season.
But Barrios only saw limited playing time through the first five games of the season, receiving just 51 minutes of action as a substitute. Given the timing of the signing, a minor foot injury and the often-difficult transition from abroad to playing in MLS, it was perhaps to be expected.
But in a surprise move, Dallas head coach Oscar Pareja elected to start the 24-year-old in Saturday’s 3-2 win over Toronto FC. He logged 66 minutes and showed flashes of his talent on the offensive side of the ball, and according to Pareja, his Colombian protégé is now in the starting mix for good heading into Friday’s away matchup with the Colorado Rapids (10 pm ET; UDN).
“In the last six games or before the last game, he was in the equation to just get in there and help us,” Pareja said. “Today I can tell you he’s in our thoughts always to start.”
Pareja noted that Barrios’ emergence in the lineup had to do more with what he brings to the table on the offensive side of the ball. Pareja emphasizes the need for complete players throughout the lineup – something that he said South American players struggle with upon entering the league.
Pareja experienced the same slow transition to MLS style of play coming from Colombia during his playing days, saying that it took him a full year to grasp how to play soccer effectively in America. The reason the transition is often so slow for players like him and Barrios, according to Pareja, is because South Americans typically only preach one side of the ball.
“Sometimes defensive work is not as important,” Pareja said. “And in this league and the way we do it here, and the team especially, they need to be a big part of that defensive organization. That sometimes takes time because it’s not incorporated there.”
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Having gone through those struggles himself, Pareja has been a worthy asset considering the number of FCD’s key contributors are from Latin America. In just his second season at the helm, Pareja has helped mentor and mold players such as Fabian Castillo (Colombia), Mauro Diaz (Argentina), David Texeira (Uruguay) and now Barrios into contributing MLS players.
“This is the first thing I say to players that come from abroad,” Pareja said. “In America, we work first for the team. And then, you can make the difference with the talent that you bring.”
Barrios showed that talent in the limited action before last weekend’s start, but questions remained about his defense. But Pareja acknowledged his improvement in that area since his arrival led to an increased role against Toronto and the potential for an even bigger impact going forward.
“He’s understanding better. I’m glad to see him progressing,” Pareja said. “I think now he feels it in the game starting, and that gains confidence for him and the team.”
