Bradley Barcola still has to wait before fully finding his feet at Liverpool. Recruited for 145 million euros from PSG at the end of August, the French international is currently struggling to justify the amount of his transfer. Starting for the second consecutive time against Fulham (0-0), the winger once again had difficulty influencing the match.
However, expectations are high around him. The most expensive recruit in Liverpool’s summer transfer window, Barcola already finds himself under pressure as supporters demand more from Andoni Iraola’s men. Against Fulham, the Frenchman failed to reverse the trend. In 78 minutes, he did not target any of his two attempts, did not succeed in any of his two dribbles and neither of his two crosses.
“This guy is going to struggle”
On X, his performance quickly sparked reactions. Some supporters are particularly starting to point out his difficulties in the last gesture. “ This match showed exactly what I don’t like about Barcola. The talent is obviously there, but the consistency and the mentality are not. I want my £120 million striker to fight to change the course of the game, not watch it slip away. He just doesn’t have that fire in him.”says a follower. Another does not hesitate to sound the alarm: “ Barcola displays a horrible performance against Fulham. I told you, this guy is going to struggle against the weak defenses of the Premier League. »
Andoni Iraola, however, wants to be much more patient with his new recruit. The Liverpool coach refuses to draw conclusions after only a few matches and prefers to highlight his player’s lack of pace. “Bradley is one of those we prepare physically with matches, and the matches will give him the condition we want. But it’s not just Bradley, we lack freshness overall.”put the Reds coach into perspective at a press conference. Despite the first criticisms, Liverpool therefore intend to give Barcola time. The Frenchman will now have to quickly step up to meet the expectations placed on him.
