Liverpool chose Yan Diomande as their priority target to replace Mohamed Salah, but the Ivorian forward chose to join Real Madrid instead.
The Reds subsequently turned their attention to Bradley Barcola a year after deciding against signing the Frenchman to avoid affecting the growth of academy graduate Rio Ngumoha.
Barcola is not a natural right winger like Salah, but can operate comfortably in that position. He made 22 appearances on the right wing for Paris Saint-Germain, registering 12 goal involvements.
The 24-year-old has had a mixed start to life at Liverpool, raising doubts over whether he can fill the void left by the prolific Salah.
He has scored three goals, none of them in the Premier League, while providing two assists in 12 appearances across all competitions.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Barcola admitted he is different from Salah but is determined to make his mark for the Reds as the Egyptian did.
“I’m not Mohamed Salah, so I’m going to try to contribute whatever I can to the club and make my own mark on its history. I don’t feel any pressure about that.”
Barcola differs from Salah in his dribbling and pace, but he must improve his end product and justify the expectations placed on him at Liverpool.
The France international has shown glimpses of what he can offer, but he needs to deliver more consistently, particularly against the strongest opposition.
Barcola failed to register a goal or assist in Sunday’s defeat to Arsenal, despite causing problems with his first-half running and movement. He also struggled in last month’s defeat to Manchester City.
The French attacker left PSG to establish himself as a key figure at Liverpool. Now, he must deliver and justify the huge fee the Reds spent to secure his signature.
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