MLS record signing Ezequiel Barco 'vital' to unlocking Atlanta's full potential, says Calen Carr

MLS's record signing Ezequiel Barco will be vital to unlocking Atlanta United's full potential this season, according to former Houston Dynamo star Calen Carr.

Atlanta, in only their second season of existence, secured their seventh win of the season against Chicago Fire on Sunday, extending their lead at the top of the Eastern Conference.

Argentina U20 Barco, who signed for $15m from Independiente in January, scored his first goal in a third successive victory since he returned from a muscle problem that kept him out of the first five games.

And Carr told Sky Sports News: "It was a big weight off his shoulders.

"You can tell from the reaction of his team-mates and how they celebrated that they really wanted him to get that goal, and he is only going to improve as the season goes on.

"Clubs all over the world tried to court him, but it really helped that Atlanta manager Tate Martino was the former Argentina coach, and told Barco 'we can help you kick on with your career'."

Atlanta have tough games against Sporting Kansas City and Orlando City coming up this week.

But Carr said: "Atlanta United have the most points, the most goals and the best start in the MLS this season. There is no telling where this is going to stop.

"This team is only starting to scratch the surface with their potential, especially with the likes of Barco and midfielder Miguel Almiron, who is my early pick for MVP."