Hernán Barcos, Alianza Lima’s goal man

TO Hernan Barcos The responsibility of wearing the number ‘9’ of Lima Alliance. He has worn that shirt, day after day, for three seasons, giving it a special shine for the way it is making a difference. He put aside the almanac, the years and the comments to focus clearly on a scoring function that he continues to make people talk about like the first time. For now everything is working wonders for him: shot with the right, shot with the left, lethal header, unchecking in lanes and organization at 3/4 of the court. Coach Mauricio Larriera, like the ‘blue and white’ fans, was convinced that with the validity of HB9 great things can be achieved at the local level. In other words: the desire for the three-time championship is there, it is close.

On the last day of the 2023 Clausura Tournament, The ‘Pirata’ recorded one of his best performances at the Mansiche stadium in Trujillo since he became Alianza’s area leader by completing a double in record time to set a comeback – as a visitor – against Carlos A. Mannucci. In both definitions, which were a couple of handfuls of chances in front of goal, he made it clear that his quality is intact, regardless of the years he carries on his back, and that the slightest carelessness can seriously damage the defensive block, generating scores that Decide matches and distribute valuable units to your team.

There is no discussion for the technical command of the Uruguayan Larriera: Barcos must be the forward of the ‘blanquiazul’ team until the close of the regular year of the Peruvian championship. The numbers support him and the recent double against the ‘Carlists’ posits him as immovable in his position. beyond Pablo Sabbag recovering from his ankle injury or Juan Pablo Goicochea having an unusual appearance when he is given minutes. Said like this, there is no one who can assault the ‘9’ area in the lineups, because Hernán is stronger than ever with scoring appearances.

From ownership to replacement. From the bench to the reference. This is how Barcos’ recent 2023 adventure could be summarizeda striker contrasted by two cycles in a row who had to gradually give way to the newcomer Sabbag, whose goals came immediately and were vital for achieving Apertura 2023.

However, a succession of injuries sidelined the Colombian attacker and that opened the door for the ‘Pirate’ to return, who from then on began a key career both for his future and for his dreams of a three-time championship. More than established as Mauricio Larriera’s starting forward in League 1, Hernán had the best days of his third stage dressed in blue and white.

What a double against Binacional. What a double against Deportivo Garcilaso. What a goal against Atlético Grau. What a score against Sport Huancayo. What a victory against Academia Cantolao. What a headbutt to Unión Comercio. What an apotheosis before Mannucci. That, in general terms, the goal passes through Boats. And that revitalizes the team since it guarantees Larriera’s work this week.

Now Mauricio carefully checks the fixture. Melgar, Binacional, Asociación Deportiva Tarma and Deportivo Garcilaso are coming up. Do you have doubts about the approach? Exist. Uncertainty about the fitness of those who are overcoming injuries? There is. Debate for ‘9’? Impossible. Hernán Barcos, by far, is the only sure thing in Alianza. His effectiveness, timeliness and numbers support it.