At Paris Saint-Germain, the departure of Bradley Barcola was experienced as a heartbreak. The Frenchman knew how to make himself appreciated by everyone, on and off the field. So when he decided to join Liverpool, the winger, who wanted to have a full-fledged starting role that Luis Enrique could not guarantee him, was praised by his teammates and the club who had sympathetic words about him. The French international also published a farewell message where he thanked PSG and its supporters. Shortly after, he spoke on the Reds’ official website to give his first impressions after his €140m transfer. “It’s a huge pride to be able to play for Liverpool. I am very happy. It took a while, but I’m really delighted today to be able to play for Liverpool. All I want to do is be on the field and play. »
He added: “I hope to accomplish great things. Above all, win the Premier League. It’s one of the biggest dreams of my life. My goal is to achieve this and to be a long-term member of this team. This is why I signed a long-term contract and I hope to succeed. » After words, it’s time to act. The native of Villeurbanne knew he was eagerly awaited, he who arrived with the label of a star after his successful stint in Paris and his great rise to the French team. Not to mention the fact that fans of the Mersey club saw in him the player who could replace the legend Mohamed Salah. But the winger, who had not played since the start of the season with Paris, had to get back into rhythm. What Andoni Iraola had also confirmed. On September 4, the player trained at OL took his first steps under his new colors. It was during the 2-0 success against Ipswich Town.
Shy beginnings
Barcola played 26 minutes. He had used his speed without necessarily hitting the mark. But his coach was happy with his debut. “I think he had good minutes. I think he has very good passing quality. On the counter-attack, on two occasions we didn’t find him, so we’re going to have to learn this kind of movement because he’ll be behind us, constantly threatening. He hasn’t played a single minute competitively since the World Cup, so we have to be a little more careful, but I think he’s been very good. » The English press was generally of the same opinion, like the BBC who wrote about him: “Barcola has shown at times the dazzling speed that the player recruited for €140 million will bring to Liverpool. » So the first impression was pretty good. It was necessary to confirm later. On September 9, Frenchy started in the Champions League against Atlético de Madrid (60 minutes).
This time, the reviews were less positive. Awkward in front of goal, he did not show his best version before leaving his partners due to injury. In the end, it was just cramps for Barcola, who continued against Fulham (September 12, 72 minutes) in the championship. Then, he played in the cup against Tottenham (18 minutes) and against Bournemouth in the Premier League (72 minutes). Overall, he continued to try his luck without finding the target and sometimes not being killer enough. His defensive work has been noted by the English press, who expect more from him and a real rise in power. For the moment, everyone remains a little unsatisfied like the Liverpool Echo. “The striker has made five appearances for his new club so far, including three as a starter, but has yet to be involved in a goal. » Indeed, in 248 minutes, he has neither scored nor provided an assist.
Wirtz’s shadow
Journalist and specialist in English football, Salim Baungally talks about the Habs’ first timid steps. “Barcola is criticized. The problem for many supporters is that he is someone who succeeded at PSG with the 2 Champions League titles and who arrives above all with a sum on the front. Like it or not, signing for Liverpool puts some pressure on his shoulders. It’s almost a mark of absolute value for fans who say if we paid so much, it must be strong and effective straight away. Barcola’s contribution was supposed to be immediate. Liverpool are off to a weak start to the season. Supporters will have to be patient with Barcola’s adaptation. There are several English titles that talk about patience. Afterwards, there is one thing that can be bad for Barcola, and that is the Wirtz example. The fans saw him arrive last year, but it must be admitted that apart from a few brilliant moments, he did not show everything he can do or everything he was brought to do in Leverkusen. So this is where some fans might wonder if we really need to be patient with Barcola. »
He continues: “Barcola is well known for his percussion skills on the left side. But to date, he doesn’t take up his left lane that much. As long as we do not see the real Barcola, that is to say the one who is impactful on his side, we will not have this great Barcola expected by some. Afterwards, can what he did at PSG be transposable to Liverpool, that is the question? » Despite everything, some voices are being raised to defend the Frenchman. This is the case with Alan Shearer. “When Barcola started against Fulham I thought he was brilliant. There is no doubt that he has immense talent. He still needs to score more goals to be complete. But in terms of enthusiasm and ability to thrill crowds, he definitely succeeds. » While waiting to return to the Reds, the 24-year-old is currently with the French team. Under the orders of Zinedine Zidane, he could well have a little playing time during this international break, he who will now be in competition with Kylian Mbappé on the left side. The new staff wishes to reposition the captain of the Blues in this position. But in Paris as with the French team, Barcola often had to deal with competition and he did rather well. In England, we are now waiting for him to move up a gear. That of a player at €145 million.
