Bradley Barcola could make his Liverpool debut against Ipswich Town on Friday night, with former Barcelona star Gaizka Mendieta saying the £123million signing from Paris Saint-Germain should need little time to adapt to the Premier League.
The France international completed his move to Liverpool shortly before deadline day, becoming the final addition to Andoni Iraola's squad. Liverpool also signed Jeremy Jacquet, Victor Munoz and Ronald Araujo this summer, with the trio already playing a key role in the opening two games of the season.
Mendieta backs Barcola to hit the ground running
Speaking ahead of the game, Mendieta told Casinolyze: "Bradley Barcola is a great signing. I think the moment he decided to leave PSG, clubs and PSG themselves, understood that they didn't want to hold onto a player who didn't want to be there.
"We knew the price tag would be massive, over a hundred million, and he's ended up at Liverpool. He obviously adds great value to that club.
"I don't think he will need much time to adapt because of his style of football, his pace, his 1v1 ability, and his goal-scoring record are well-suited for it.
"I think the Premier League is, in a way, easier for those types of players to adapt to, and fans will enjoy him very soon. Having competition for the other attacking spots is great for Iraola to have that level of quality.
"But as we mentioned before, he comes with added pressure. Of course, players need to deliver, but the manager will also be scrutinised for how he manages and gets the best out of those players."
Iraola confirms availability for Ipswich clash
Liverpool travel to Ipswich looking for their first win of the new season, having been held to draws in their first two matches against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest.
Iraola confirmed in his pre-match press conference on Thursday that he hopes to have Barcola available for the clash. "We are very happy with Bradley, it was our priority to sign a very very good player in those positions," Iraola said.
"He has come also with the right mentality. I like that he wanted Liverpool a lot. He wanted to come here. It's a good first sign, and being the player he is, he has come with the willingness to help us.
"He is playing well for us and if everything goes well in training today he will definitely be available for us tomorrow."
