Player only has eyes for Aston Villa – Set to ‘relaunch career’ and wants Birmingham future

Lionel Scaloni announced his latest Argentina squad on Tuesday, and before he did so the big question mark had been around Cristian Romero.

The defender picked up an injury during Tottenham Hotspur’s victory over Aston Villa at the weekend and there was worry he could miss out. However, like seemingly all Argentina players, Romero won’t let a small injury issue keep him away from the national team.

Following Scaloni’s announcement, the big news was Enzo Barrenechea being included. That certainly wasn’t an expected turn of events.

The 23-year-old signed for Aston Villa in the summer window, but Unai Emery didn’t see a key place for him in the squad his season. That saw a loan move to Valencia, where he’s had a mixed time in a struggling team.

He’s not made himself a regular starter for Valencia yet, with around 350 minutes played so far this season, but hopefully that will come.

Wednesday’s edition of Super Deporte looks at the call up and explains it was all the more surprising because the Aston Villa owned midfielder hasn’t even played for Argentina at any youth level.

He has, though, repeatedly made public commitments about only wanting to play for them and not considering any other potential international avenues.

The Valencia regional newspaper say this great personal news can see Barrenechea ‘relaunch his career’. I

t’s made clear to fans of the Spanish club that despite the youngster feeling like a footballer again with Valencia, and being comfortable there, his absolute aim is to return to Aston Villa next summer and succeed there.