Liverpool secured a 2-1 Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, but new £123m signing Bradley Barcola came in for criticism over his finishing. Meanwhile, on-loan defender Ronald Araujo continues to impress, and Barcelona sporting director Deco has given a cryptic response on the defender's long-term future.
Barcola's difficult night in front of goal
Barcola completed his £123million switch from PSG late last month and made his first start on the right wing against Atletico. The winger lasted an hour before being withdrawn with cramp, but should have marked his first start with a goal.
He had an effort kept out by Jan Oblak while also squandering a one-on-one opportunity, firing wide of the post. Former Tottenham midfielder Tim Sherwood was quick to criticise Barcola for his disappointing performance in front of goal.
"No, it wasn't a good night. He had a lot of opportunities. He looked a threat, but he had a few opportunities bearing down Oblak and he just couldn't find the finish. He's not a fantastic finisher, I have to say that. A few sitters he missed tonight," Sherwood told Sky Sports.
"The good thing about him is that he stretches defenders. He runs without the ball, so you don't have to take possession of the ball and dribble. He goes, checks and makes good runs."
Araujo impresses and Deco responds
Araujo has featured in all four of Liverpool's matches this season, impressing both at centre-back and when filling in at right-back. He provided the assist for Dominik Szoboszlai's equaliser in the win against Atletico.
The Reds secured the 27-year-old on a loan deal from Barcelona last month, with a £47m option to make the move permanent. Barcelona sporting director Deco gave a cryptic reply when questioned about Araujo's long-term prospects at the Nou Camp.
"Yesterday I was watching the match of Liverpool," Deco told RAC 1. "Good assist he made, huh? I was watching the match at home. I think football goes beyond just being a player of ours, right? I mean, to Ronald, I have affection for him, I love him, I want things to go well for him, I want him to succeed and be happy as a person."
"To me personally, he's a player that I love. For me, at some moment he couldn't be at his best moment, but I think Ronald has been, until now, his spell at Barca has been spectacular. Sometimes ideas don't coincide, the player's moment, and sometimes it's good to look for an exit, that also helps you."
"I don't know [if he'll come back], let's see, he has a contract with us. It's very early still. He's a player that we have a lot of respect for and I would tell you plenty of affection, not only us as a club, but also the locker room, so from here, let's see. It's a topic for the future."
Araujo happy at Anfield
Meanwhile, the Uruguayan has stated he is content at Anfield. "Liverpool is a big club like Barcelona," he told Movistar. "You have to give your best and there are high expectations. I am happy, I'm working hard as you can see also on the pitch. I am happy here and hungry for more."
Liverpool take on Fulham on Saturday looking to maintain their impressive recent run of form, following a 2-0 triumph against Ipswich Town and the Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid.
