Valentin Barco won't be available to play for Albion in the next couple of weeks due to international duty but can become an important player for the club in the future, according to men's first-team head coach Roberto De Zerbi.
The 19-year-old joined us on a four-and-a-half-year deal on Saturday from Argentinian club Boca Juniors, but he is with his country's under-23s at the moment as they try to qualify for the summer's Olympic Games.
"He’s a good player," De Zerbi said. "We have to understand when he can start with us because he is on international duty. At the moment we can’t play with him, but for the future he can be an important player.
"He’s the target of the club and we respect that. We work to help any young player who wants to become better and to progress. Barco is one of these players - so is Billy Gilmour, Jan Paul van Hecke, Facundo Buonanotte and before them it was Alexis Mac Allister, Moises Caicedo. We have to respect it."
Roberto believes there is still plenty to learn about his new signing, given that he's only been able to watch his clips rather than in person.
"We have to watch on the pitch before we can say anything more. You can know the players on video, but sometimes you can find different characteristics and details in person. The real potential you can see on the pitch."
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