EXCLUSIVE: Former Liverpool forward Michael Owen believes Bradley Barcola could face questions over his performances so far for the Reds if they do not improve drastically
Bradley Barcola of Liverpool
Bradley Barcola joined Liverpool this summer(Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire)
Despite having only made the switch to Merseyside from Paris in August, former Liverpool forward Michael Owen believes there could be questions asked of Bradley Barcola's performances if they do not improve.
The French winger was Liverpool's primary target this past summer, with Barcola eventually joining the Reds at the end of the transfer window following lengthy negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth around $163 million. While his Liverpool career is still in its infancy, Barcola has yet to find the back of the net in six games.
In Owen's eyes, he believes that there could be questions asked about the 24-year-old "very soon" if his performances on the pitch do not improve.
"Barcola, I know he’s only been there five or six games, there’ll be questions about him very soon," Owen told Liverpool.com, via Sportsbook Promos.
Barcola isn't the only Liverpool star who has faced questions about their performance of late, with Florian Wirtz also struggling in his second season on Merseyside after a difficult debut campaign.
However, Owen also believes that both Barcola and Wirtz are too good not to come good for Liverpool.
Liverpool winger Bradley Barcola.
Liverpool winger Bradley Barcola.(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Owen said of Wirtz, "I've seen him in Germany, I’ve seen him play for Germany. He’s obviously a very, very talented boy. When he signed, I was unbelievably excited to see him.
"No one will convince me that Wirtz is not a top player ... No one. But it just happens like that, and we’re all human. It just happens. It is difficult with Wirtz. He cost a lot of money."
He added, "You've seen Wirtz struggle to get going at Liverpool and now Barcola is taking time to settle in. With all of them struggling to hit the ground running, it is a concern, but they are proven, top-quality players, and class will tell.
"I am sure it won't be long before it does click for them. That is the real issue, as if all of the new players are playing well, they gain confidence and push on, but with some struggling, it is an issue, and Liverpool do need to improve their attacking threat.
TNT Sports pundit Michael Owen during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool
Michael Owen believes Florian Wirtz will come good(Image: Getty)
"It is so early for Barcola, but it's a patient man game at the minute."
With Alexander Isak having missed Liverpool's recent defeat to Manchester City last weekend, and the Reds' upcoming midweek Champions League clash with LASK, Andoni Iraola could do with both Wirtz and Barcola stepping up. They are also currently without Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo.
Recently, Barcola opened up on how he was settling into life on Merseyside. Speaking to Sky Sports, he was asked about compatriots Jeremy Jacquet and Hugo Ekitike, with Barcola saying: "They recommended some good places for me to settle in. They gave me a very friendly welcome here, so everything is going well. I am happy."