Bradley Barcola's first start for Liverpool in Wednesday's 2-1 Champions League win over Atletico Madrid drew criticism for his finishing, while Barcelona sporting director Deco has offered a cryptic response about Ronald Araujo's long-term future.
The Reds secured their first European victory of the campaign after coming from a goal down, following a 2-0 Premier League win over Ipswich Town last Friday. Liverpool now face Fulham on Saturday as they look to maintain their recent form.
Barcola's performance under scrutiny
Barcola, who completed a £123million move from PSG in late August, made his first start for the club on the right wing against Atletico. The left-sided forward lasted an hour before being substituted with cramp, having seen an effort saved by Jan Oblak and sent a one-on-one chance wide of the post.
Former Tottenham midfielder Tim Sherwood criticised the winger's display on Sky Sports, saying: “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 added: “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.”
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola, however, expressed satisfaction with the signing. “I'm very happy because also he has had two very clear chances against the 'keeper. He hasn't scored, but I want him there,” he said.
Araujo's future addressed by Deco
Araujo, signed on loan from Barcelona last month with a £47m option to buy, has featured in all four of Liverpool's games this season, impressing at centre-back and deputising at right-back. He assisted Dominik Szoboszlai's equaliser in the win over Atletico.
Deco, speaking to RAC 1, said: “Yesterday I was watching the match of Liverpool. 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,” Deco added.
“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, meanwhile, told Movistar: “Liverpool is a big club like Barcelona. 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.”
