Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool supporters are yet to see the best of Bradley Barcola as the club's marquee summer signing makes his first start at Anfield
Steven Gerrard, former Liverpool player, looks on before the UEFA Champions League match against Atletico Madrid
Steven Gerrard, has shared his views on new Liverpool signing Bradley Barcola(Image: Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard believes new signing Bradley Barcola still has another level to reach, despite the fact he arrives at Anfield already a serial winner.
The Reds finally landed their top summer target at the end of the transfer window, striking a deal with Paris Saint-Germain worth £106 million ($143 million), potentially rising to £123 million ($166 million) with all the add-ons. Barcola joins having won back-to-back Champions League trophies with the French club, but competition for places under Luis Enrique meant he sought a more prominent role elsewhere.
Barcola is, undoubtedly, Liverpool's most expensive addition for this new season. Despite arrivals including Victor Munoz, Jeremy Jacquet, and Ronald Araujo, Barcola will be tasked with filling some of the void left by Mohamed Salah, who departed at the end of last season.
The 24-year-old made his debut for Liverpool last Friday against Ipswich Town. He came on as a second-half substitute as the Reds claimed their first three points of the season with an impressive 2-0 win.
Tonight's Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid represents a full debut for Barcola, as well as his first Anfield appearance as a Liverpool player. Gerrard spoke of the anticipation surrounding the winger ahead of kickoff.
"I think with Mo Salah moving on, there needs to be a collective responsibility to get goals and assists because he scored them so heavily and scored them in volume," the former captain explained, speaking on TNT Sports. "It’s the reason why he’s been brought in, to create and score, to be exciting, and I’m very excited to watch him tonight.
"What a debut tonight in the Champions League, a home debut against Atletico Madrid, I’m sure he can’t wait for kick-off, he must be extremely excited.
Bradley Barcola of Liverpool FC prior to the UEFA Champions League match against Atletico Madrid
Barcola made his first Liverpool start against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League(Image: Photo by Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images)
"Everyone’s waiting to watch him. He’s that type of talent where he’s exciting, he’ll have you on the edge of your seat, he’s quick, he’s inventive, he can go past people, he can run in behind without the ball, got great vision, he’s unselfish.
"I think there’s another level for him. I don’t think he’s the finished article, he’s at an age where he can still get better. With experience, he’ll improve, but he’s come as a serial winner because of the success he had at PSG."
Barcola starts on the right against Atletico, with young starlet Rio Ngumoha starting on the left flank. Cody Gakpo misses the game due to injury, although it's said to only be precautionary.
Munoz, who impressed last Friday against Ipswich, starts on the bench. Alexander Isak leads the line once again and is in good form after scoring a brace last time out.