FRISCO - When somebody talks about “the Colombian winger at FC Dallas,” they’re usually referring to Fabian Castillo, who has come to be known around the league for his break-neck pace and dribbling brilliance on Dallas’ left flank. But on the opposite sideline, there’s another Colombian winger - one making a name for himself, too.
Michael Barrios was not known as a pure goalscorer when he joined FC Dallas from Colombian first division side Uniautonoma. In four seasons and 140 appearances, he only scored 35 goals. A celebration every four matches played. Through eight games in 2016, he leads his team with four goals - all in the last month.
Listed at a generous 5-foot, 4-inches tall, the winger spent most of his first 6 months with FCD in 2015 adapting to life in another country. He wasn't even a regular starter in the Dallas lineup, but that all changed on July 11th against Orlando. Since that day, Barrios has started in every match for Oscar Pareja, scoring 6 goals over the final 18 matches last year. This season, he has arguably become the inch-for-inch most underrated player in MLS, while taking his game to another level.
“Scoring is important for any forward,” said Oscar Pareja. “For Mickey [Barrios] that’s very important. He’s a hard-worker and he’s a very disciplined player. He can play as a winger, but also as a 'Number 9’ or as an attacking midfielder. That makes him unpredictable. But I know that it’s also a forward’s responsibility to score goals, which he is doing so far.”
“I don’t feel scoring is what I’ve been known for,” explained Barrios. “I’m more of a hard-worker and a creator. But I think with the work I’ve done here, both individually and with the team, has really helped me become stronger in front of goal. We all know goals are what forwards are measured by, and I’ve learned a lot from [FCD assistant coach] Josema [Bazan], who works with us in that part of the game and has taught me a lot. He’s told me that scoring is important in my position. That’s important for me at this point in my career because I had to start scoring eventually.”
Now that he's scoring more, the next step for Barrios in his career is realizing one of his all-time dreams - playing for the Colombian National Team.
“I’ve always dreamed of getting called up to my National Team,” he said. “I think I’m playing my best football right now. You have to keep working and wait for them to call you, but once it happens, I’ll be glad to give my best for my country too. I’ll wear the shirt with pride and it won’t be easy, but I’ll fight for a spot on there too. You can always get what you want by working hard.”
Coach Pareja, who played for the very same National Team that Barrios aspires to be a part of, is surprised the winger hasn’t been considered by Colombia’s head coach Jose Nestor Pekerman.
“I see Barrios at that level,” he said. “I really think so. I’m surprised that they haven’t called him up because he’s playing at a great level. He’s a player that works hard for his teammates and that’s key in a soccer team. And that’s what he is: a team player. I’d love to see him play for Colombia.”
“I was born ready to play for Colombia,” Barrios said. “I’ve been preparing towards that all my life. All I want is an opportunity. I’ll make the most of it when it comes. Now with Copa America in the United States, I think I have a good chance, but if it doesn’t happen I’ll have to keep working hard and wait until it happens.”
