Bradley Barcola's experiment as a striker backfired as Liverpool fell 3-2 to Fenerbahce on Wednesday, leaving manager Andoni Iraola to rethink his attacking lineup. The £123million signing from Paris Saint-Germain failed to impress in an unfamiliar central role, raising questions about where he fits in a squad already packed with in-form wingers.
Barcola's Positioning Under Scrutiny
Barcola, who joined Liverpool in the summer after winning the Champions League with PSG, had started brightly with a hat-trick in a 6-3 win over LASK. However, his latest outing as a striker drew criticism, with Iraola admitting after the match: "We thought it would work well. I think Bradley, in terms of speed [and] the match-ups, it could be good for him."
The Spaniard added: "He hasn't found the position too hard... all season he has been better when he has played outside wide, and then obviously with Cody [Gakpo], with Alex [Isak], I think we've been more dangerous." These comments suggest Barcola may not lead the line again soon.
Winger Logjam Creates Selection Headache
Liverpool's best performers this season have been wingers Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha. Gakpo has nine goal contributions in 11 games, including one as a substitute against Fenerbahce, while Ngumoha completed seven dribbles in Istanbul, the most of any player. Both have outperformed Barcola in his preferred left-wing role, and the trio have all been more effective than Florian Wirtz, who retains the No.10 spot despite underwhelming displays.
Iraola previously noted Barcola's versatility, saying in October: "He probably has played more as a left winger but has played a little bit as a striker, has played even more as a right winger. I think he can cover the three positions up front." Yet the Fenerbahce defeat highlighted the limitations of that flexibility.
Carragher Criticises Squad Balance
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher renewed his criticism of the club's recruitment after the loss. "The squad Liverpool have got is very expensive but not as good as it should be, and not as balanced as it should be," he told CBS Sports. He noted that young players like Trey Nyoni and Ngumoha have outperformed expensive signings, adding: "Barcola has come in for £120million; he played up front tonight, didn't play well, but the younger players are playing better than him."
Barcola himself acknowledged his form is not yet at its peak, telling Sky Sports: "I don't think I'm at my best yet. You still haven't seen the best version of me. On top of that, we're working with my team-mates so that they can make the most of my strengths."
With an international break approaching, Iraola has time to reassess. Barcola may be forced onto the right wing or the bench for Sunday's clash with Crystal Palace.
