Andoni Iraola has explained why he decided to play Bradley Barcola through the middle against Fenerbahçe, admitting that the Frenchman is primarily a winger rather than a natural centre-forward.
It was one of the biggest talking points from Liverpool’s disappointing 3-2 Champions League defeat in Istanbul.
With Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo both starting on the bench, Barcola was handed the responsibility of leading the attack, with Rio Ngumoha and Víctor Muñoz providing the width.
Unfortunately, it was an experiment that failed to deliver.
Iraola has now explained his thinking, and while I understand what he was trying to achieve, I’m not convinced it is something Liverpool should be relying on.
Iraola wanted to use Barcola’s pace in behind
The Liverpool manager explained that he wanted to see whether Barcola’s speed could cause problems for Fenerbahçe’s centre-backs.
He said:
“Bradley is a winger but I wanted to try it. I thought he could be a threat in behind with their centre-backs but mainly he is a winger with us. Sometimes I want to try it. I tried Cody Gakpo in the Carabao Cup. It’s something we can use when Alexander Isak is tired.”
There is some logic behind that decision.
Barcola has tremendous pace and is dangerous when he can attack space behind defenders. Against certain opponents, using him centrally could create problems, particularly if Liverpool are looking to play quickly in transition.
Iraola was also managing Isak’s minutes after the striker had played against Arsenal, with the intention of bringing him on for the closing stages.
But there is a difference between having pace and being a natural number nine.
Barcola is far more dangerous out wide
For me, Barcola’s biggest strengths are his ability to take defenders on, use his acceleration and create opportunities from wide areas.
He is at his best when he can receive the ball facing goal, isolate a full-back and attack the space.
Playing centrally changes the demands on him.
A striker has to hold the ball up, occupy centre-backs, link play and make intelligent movements inside a crowded penalty area. It is a very different role from operating on the wing.
Against Fenerbahçe, Barcola never really looked comfortable leading the line.
He struggled to influence the game and Liverpool looked more threatening when Isak eventually came on.
That is not a criticism of Barcola’s ability. It is simply about playing players in positions where they can make the biggest impact.
Isak showed what Liverpool had been missing
The most frustrating part was that Isak made an immediate impact after coming off the bench.
The Swedish striker needed only a few minutes to get on the scoresheet, rising to meet Cody Gakpo’s delivery and putting Liverpool back in front.
It was exactly the sort of centre-forward contribution Liverpool had been missing.
I understand that Isak cannot play every minute, particularly with the number of fixtures Liverpool have to negotiate. Managing his workload is important.
But if he needs a rest, I would rather see Liverpool use a recognised alternative where possible than keep asking wide forwards to do a job that does not naturally suit them.
Hugo Ekitike’s eventual return should help provide another option, although Liverpool will need to manage his recovery carefully.
Gakpo and Barcola are options – but not the long-term answer
Iraola also mentioned trying Cody Gakpo in a central role against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup.
Gakpo has played as a striker before and offers a different profile to Barcola. He can link play, use his strength and bring other attackers into the game.
There may be occasions when either player can do a job through the middle.
But I would not want to see Liverpool regularly relying on makeshift centre-forwards when there are more natural options available.
We need our best attacking players in positions where they can hurt opponents.
Barcola should be given the freedom to attack from the wing, where his pace and directness can be a real weapon.
My verdict: Keep Barcola on the wing
I appreciate Iraola being willing to experiment. Managers have to find solutions when players are unavailable or need their minutes managed.
However, I don’t think the Fenerbahçe match provided much evidence that Barcola should be considered a regular alternative at centre-forward.
He is a winger, and that is where I want to see him playing.
Liverpool have enough problems to solve without weakening another area of the attack by moving players out of their natural positions.
Iraola may use the option again against certain opponents, and I wouldn’t rule it out completely. But it should be an occasional tactical alternative rather than a regular plan.
Barcola has the pace and ability to be a real success at Liverpool. Let’s make sure we use him where he can do the most damage.
Jamie – (The Kopite View)
### _Related_