Bradley Barcola in action for Liverpool, with Andoni Iraola in a circular inset
Bradley Barcola in action for Liverpool, with Andoni Iraola in a circular inset
The 24-year-old has endured an inconsistent start to life at Anfield, and while there are plenty of positives to take from his performances, there are also significant doubts.
The France international set up the second goal during Liverpool's 3-1 win against Crystal Palace last time out, but also missed multiple big chances and struggled for consistency.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown warned Football Insider that spening £123million on a player should at least guarantee a regular positive impact on the side.
Andoni Iraola has experimented with the France international's position in recent weeks in an attempt to get the best out of him, but that has done little to ease the doubts.
Barcola has also been honest about his mixed start to life at Liverpool, insisting the best is yet to come, but there are concerns he could be the club's latest big-money problem.
Is Bradley Barcola becoming a concern for Liverpool?
Football Insider reported shortly after Barcola's move to Anfield during the summer that his early performances for Liverpool were immediately setting off alarm bells.
While his displays have gradually improved under Iraola, there are concerns that his lack of consistency is a serious problem given the fee spent to bring him in.
Barcola's signing has been compared to that of Florian Wirtz, who has also been flagged as a concern after costing Liverpool in excess of £100million.
"I think there will be some big questions asked about Bradley Barcola before too long," Brown told Football Insider.
"They're not convinced he's giving them the return they expected when they spent £120million on him, and this isn't the first time Liverpool have been in this situation.
"It's similar to the Florian Wirtz thing, if you're going to spend that amount of money on a player, you want them to be consistent as the bare minimum.
"You expect, if a player is worth upwards of £100million, that he will regular be involved in goals and make a difference in the final third that you didn't have before.
"I had my doubts about Barcola when Liverpool signed him, because he wasn't regularly starting games for PSG, he was being used as a subsitute.
"There's no doubting he's a talented player, but for £120million, they might be regretting spending that sort of money on him if he isn't going to be at his best every single week.
"Even against Palace, he played well, he set up a goal, but he missed some big chances and went through spells where nothing was working. You expect more than that for your money."
How can Liverpool get the best out of Barcola?
Barcola has insisted he is still building towards reaching his best levels as a Liverpool player, and while that may be promising, he must step up his performances quickly.
Iraola could be key to getting the best out of the winger, who has also been used as a striker this season, and tactical tweaks may be required to help him out.
Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness warned Football Insider that Barcola's style is better suited to European football, where the game is slightly slower and more open.
There is a feeling that Liverpool must boost the wideman's confidence as much as possible, with the Champions League expected to be crucial to help him find his feet.
Liverpool will ultimately hope for far more from their expensive summer buy, but for now, Wyness is adamant that the cup competitions can help him find his feet.