Bradley Barcola's performance in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid has been addressed after a mixed evening
Bradley Barcola of Liverpool
Bradley Barcola was criticised in some quarters for his performance on Wednesday night (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Liverpool are riding the crest of a wave heading into Saturday's Premier League clash with Fulham. The Reds followed up a 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town with a hard-fought 2-1 Champions League win against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, making a winning start to their European campaign.
Andoni Iraola's side showed immense character in their continental opener, coming from behind to secure all three points in what proved to be an eventful evening. Two performances in particular sparked plenty of debate after the final whistle, those of summer signing Bradley Barcola and Barcelona loanee Ronald Araujo.
The pair experienced somewhat contrasting evenings, with the former PSG player attracting some criticism. Araujo, meanwhile, continues to excel in a relatively unfamiliar right-back position, and his future has been addressed by a Barca transfer official.
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Bradley Barcola issue raised
Barcola has been criticised for his below-par finishing in the victory over Atletico. The winger completed his £123million switch from PSG last month.
The left-sided forward made his debut off the bench in Friday's triumph at Ipswich but earned his first start against Atleti on the right wing. Barcola lasted an hour before he was withdrawn with cramp but should've scored.
He saw one attempt kept out by Jan Oblak while also squandering a one-on-one opportunity, dragging his shot wide of the upright. In a worrying verdict, Tim Sherwood has declared Barcola is "not a fantastic finisher."
Bradley Barcola of Liverpool misses a shot during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atletico de Madrid
Barcola could've opened his Liverpool account against Atletico(Image: Getty)
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He said on Sky Sports: "No, it wasn't a good night. He had a lot of opportunities. He looked a threat, but he had a few opportunities bearing down Oblak and he just couldn't find the finish. He's not a fantastic finisher, I have to say that. A few sitters he missed tonight.
"The good thing about him is that he stretches defenders. He runs without the ball, so you don't have to take possession of the ball and dribble. He goes, checks and makes good runs."
Iraola, however, remains pleased with the Reds' big-money acquisition. He said: "I'm very happy because also he has had two very clear chances against the 'keeper. He hasn't scored, but I want him there."
Update on Araujo's future
Barcelona sporting director Deco provided an ambiguous response regarding Araujo's long-term prospects. The Reds secured the 27-year-old on loan from the Catalan club last month and hold a £47m option to make the move permanent.
Araujo has appeared in all four of Liverpool's matches so far this campaign and has impressed at centre-back while also filling in at right-back. He has even demonstrated attacking capabilities, setting up Dominik Szoboszlai's equaliser in the win over Atleti.
Giuliano Simeone of Atletico Madrid and Ronald Araujo of Liverpool challenge during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atletico de Madrid at Anfield on September 9, 2026
Ronald Araujo has impressed so far(Image: 2026 Allstar)
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Araujo's Barcelona departure was approved after slipping down the pecking order following a challenging campaign last term. Deco has acknowledged he remains uncertain whether the defender will return to the Camp Nou, but has admitted he holds the 27-year-old in extremely high regard.
"Yesterday I was watching the match of Liverpool," Deco told RAC 1. "Good assist he made, huh? I was watching the match at home.
"I think football goes beyond just being a player of ours, right? I mean, to Ronald, I have affection for him, I love him, I want things to go well for him, I want him to succeed and be happy as a person.
Barcelona Sporting Director Deco interviews after the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16, Quarter-finals And Semi-finals Draw at the UEFA Headquarters, The House of the European Football, on February 21, 2025
Deco says he's a fan of Araujo(Image: 2025 UEFA)
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"To me personally, he's a player that I love. For me, at some moment he couldn't be at his best moment, but I think Ronald has been, until now, his spell at Barca has been spectacular. Sometimes ideas don't coincide, the player's moment, and sometimes it's good to look for an exit, that also helps you.
"I don't know [if he'll come back], let's see, he has a contract with us. It's very early still. He's a player that we have a lot of respect for and I would tell you plenty of affection, not only us as a club, but also the locker room, so from here, let's see. It's a topic for the future."
Meanwhile, the Uruguayan has insisted he is content at Anfield. "Liverpool is a big club like Barcelona," he told Movistar. "You have to give your best and there are high expectations. I am happy, I'm working hard as you can see also on the pitch. I am happy here and hungry for more."