Chelsea’s midfield concerns have intensified after Xabi Alonso’s side were beaten 3-0 by Brentford, with new signing Valentin Barco questioned following his first Premier League start for the club.
Barco was selected alongside Jordan Henderson in the centre of the pitch but struggled to influence the game as Brentford took control after half-time. Jaidon Anthony, Igor Thiago and Fabio Carvalho were all on target, leaving Chelsea without a league win in three matches and seventh in the table.
Steve Nicol questions Valentin Barco’s readiness
Former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol was critical of the 22-year-old’s display during an appearance on ESPN, suggesting Barco may not yet be ready to take on a regular starting role in Alonso’s midfield.
“When you lose a goal, the guts of your team are the ones that have to go around everybody, particularly Henderson,” Nicol said.
He added: “And unfortunately, it looks as though Barco isn’t ready quite yet to be starting in that midfield because I don’t really remember him particularly impressing on any part of the game.
“His passing wasn’t incredible. He certainly doesn’t scare you physically. I don’t know how quick he gets around the ground because it didn’t look today as though he was quick.
“So, I’m not sure what his strength is. Certainly, I never saw any strength today. Henderson did okay, but when I’m looking for a response, I want the middle of the field to be as strong as any other part.”
Nicol said Chelsea’s midfield needed to lead the response after Brentford gained the advantage, but felt that did not happen during the second half.
“The middle of the field for me is the part of the team that has to drive everybody forward, whether it’s getting the ball or stopping the opposition and I didn’t really see that, certainly in the second-half I didn’t,” he said.
While acknowledging Barco’s age, Nicol maintained that the performance had not provided enough evidence of his strengths.
“Barco is only young, he’s only 22. But when we watch the game, we can only go on that. We can’t give everybody a pass. At the end of the day, none of that was there,” he said.
Chelsea’s midfield problem extends beyond one player
Barco joined Chelsea from Strasbourg during the summer and signed a contract running until 2033 after contributing 12 goals and assists in 43 appearances last season.
However, this was his first Premier League start for the club, while Alonso was also without key midfield figure Moises Caicedo. The result therefore offers limited evidence on which to judge Barco’s long-term prospects.
There is nevertheless a wider concern for Chelsea. Brentford dominated following the interval, and Alonso’s team were unable to regain control after falling behind.
Chelsea have now conceded 12 goals in five league matches and have gone 21 consecutive Premier League games without keeping a clean sheet, placing further focus on the protection provided by their midfield.
Barco was recruited for his versatility and technical ability, but a central role in the Premier League also demands fast decision-making, physical resilience and defensive discipline.
One difficult evening does not determine the success of his Chelsea career. Yet with the midfield already looking vulnerable, Alonso may decide that Barco needs to be introduced gradually rather than being expected to resolve a problem that involves the team as a whole.
