Details of Liverpool besting one of their rivals earlier this month have been revealed
Bradley Barcola of Liverpool during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur
Bradley Barcola is continuing to adapt to his new surroundings(Image: (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images))
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Liverpool have entered the international break on a high thanks to their unbeaten start to the season under manager Andoni Iraola. Sitting sixth in the Premier League, the Reds have racked up three consecutive clean sheets, with their most recent shutout coming in their 1-0 win over Bournemouth.
The defensive strength that Liverpool's backline has shown in recent weeks is a welcome contrast to the severe deficiencies they showed last season, having conceded 73 goals across all competitions. Yet, work remains at Anfield as Iraola continues to imprint his tactics on a squad integrating several new arrivals.
Among them, £123million signing Bradley Barcola is still finding his footing following recent scrutiny, while Liverpool have come off a successful transfer battle against Real Madrid. Here's the latest news coming out of Merseyside...
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Real Madrid transfer battle
Liverpool's acquisition of goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans represented a double triumph, given they reportedly fended off interest from Real Madrid to secure the highly-regarded Belgian. The 18-year-old put pen to paper for the Reds on transfer deadline day in a £30m deal before returning to Genk on loan for the remainder of the campaign.
The eye-watering fee made Brughmans the most expensive teenage goalkeeper in football history, with many tipping him to eventually succeed Alisson Becker, whose Anfield contract runs out next summer.
Lucca Brughmans signs for Liverpool
Lucca Brughmans joined Liverpool in the summer transfer window (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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According to the Mail, the Belgian youth international had visited Madrid and appeared set to follow in the footsteps of fellow countryman Thibaut Courtois. However, the Reds swiftly submitted their proposal to Genk a day before the deadline and arranged for him to travel to Merseyside the next morning to complete his move.
Barcola price tag criticised
Barcola is yet to register a goal or an assist for Liverpool since becoming the second-most expensive player in the club's history. The 24-year-old has not completed a full 90 minutes for the Reds and has been told he is not deserving of his £123m fee by former France and Chelsea defender Frank Lebouef.
Alexander Isak and Bradley Barcola celebrate during Bournemouth 0-1 Liverpool.
Bradley Barcola has yet to play a full 90 minutes for Liverpool(Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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The pundit said: "Bradley Barcola wasn't worth that money because nobody is, transfer fees have become astronomical across the board. That said, it's a great opportunity for Barcola to play for clubs like Lyon, PSG and now Liverpool."
Leboeuf, 58, did stress that supporters will need to exercise patience with Barcola. He said: "However, he needs time to adapt because the Premier League is different. He will get less space than he had at PSG under Luis Enrique.
"He joined a team undergoing significant changes after a difficult transition. Liverpool signed Isak, Ekitike, Wirtz and new full-backs and the team is still finding its rhythm."