Jamie Carragher has given his verdict on Bradley Barcola's start at Liverpool, and what it means for Andoni Iraola, with the Spaniard having plenty of options in attack
Bradley Barcola has played every game since signing for Liverpool
Bradley Barcola has played every game since signing for Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Jamie Carragher believes Andoni Iraola has hit upon his strongest attack for Liverpool, with Bradley Barcola already making his mark after signing from Paris Saint-Germain.
The 24-year-old has played a part in all five games since he arrived on Merseyside from the French capital, with his third start for the club coming in Sunday’s game against Bournemouth.
Having arrived in a deal that could rise to around $165 million, expectations are high for Barcola, especially after the Reds focused their efforts on signing him during the summer, and with back-to-back Champions League crowns behind him from his time in Paris.
Heading into his latest game, Barcola had yet to record a goal or assist, but Liverpool legend Carragher is still impressed with what he’s seen so far.
“Quick. He's certainly very quick when you see him,” Carragher told Sky Sports when asked for his early impressions of Barcola.
"We've seen fleeting moments. He came on against Ipswich and looked really dangerous. He's had a couple of chances as well; it would've been lovely for him to get his first goal.
Jamie Carragher feels Andoni Iraola has found his preferred attack at Liverpool
Jamie Carragher feels Andoni Iraola has found his preferred attack at Liverpool(Image: (Photo by James Baylis - AMA/Getty Images))
"But I think what we see, when we see this Liverpool team here today... on paper, he (Iraola) sees it as his strongest Liverpool team right now, with (Cody) Gakpo and Barcola on the wings."
Barcola will report for international duty with France after Sunday’s game against Bournemouth, with Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola no doubt keeping his fingers crossed that he can return ready to kick on in the Premier League.
"With Bradley, the more time he plays the better he will become,” Iraola said in a recent press conference. “He came straight away without pre-season minutes, but in a good shape.
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"Like all the signings coming from other leagues, he'll need some time to adjust to the rhythm of the Premier League, but he is very used to playing high-level games, and I see him in a good place."
Liverpool.com says: It certainly seems like Iraola has hit upon his preferred attack now. It always felt slightly inevitable that Barcola would feature after his big-money move.
What is encouraging is that Victor Munoz and Rio Ngumoha are offering plenty of competition, so even with Barcola’s hefty price tag, he can’t rest on his laurels.
Hopefully, he can build up a bit more playing time and confidence with France over the international break, and then the Reds can reap the rewards afterward.