Bradley Barcola named Champions League Player of the Week after Liverpool hat-trick

Bradley Barcola has been named Champions League Player of the Week after his hat-trick powered Liverpool to an away win over Austrian champions LASK and preserved the Reds’ perfect European record.

Barcola’s breakthrough night

The French forward struck three times on Wednesday in a statement display for Liverpool. The recognition is a major early landmark for a player who arrived at Anfield under significant pressure following his high-profile transfer.

• Barcola scored a Champions League hat-trick against LASK.
• Liverpool left Austria with a convincing victory.
• The result kept Liverpool unbeaten in Europe this season.
• His treble earned him the Champions League Player of the Week award.

Virgil van Dijk said the performance could be especially important for Barcola, describing the attacker as a naturally reserved figure within the group.

“It is huge for Bradley,” Liverpool’s captain said. “He is quite introverted and does not show much emotion, but everybody knows what this can do for his confidence. Hopefully there will be many more hat-tricks.”

Van Dijk backs Liverpool’s new forward

Van Dijk believes Liverpool must give Barcola the freedom and support to make his mark, particularly as goals are central to the Frenchman’s game.

“The team has to create a setting where he can show himself on the pitch,” Van Dijk said. “Every player wants the chance to demonstrate what he can do. Goals are a major part of Bradley’s game, and a Champions League hat-trick is brilliant for him and for the team.”

The 33-year-old also drew on his own experience of carrying a major transfer fee, insisting the squad will help Barcola settle fully.

“Players can pass on their experiences,” he said. “We have to help one another succeed because we are together in this. Bradley is finding his rhythm now. He will be fine.”

Late defensive wobble ahead of Brentford

Liverpool’s attacking display was followed by a worrying late loss of control at the other end. Van Dijk and Joe Gomez entered after an hour, but the Reds conceded three times during the closing stages in Austria.

Van Dijk joked that the defensive issues began after he and Gomez came on, while revealing his appearance had not been expected after he took a calf knock against Manchester City.

• Van Dijk and Gomez were introduced around the 60-minute mark.
• Liverpool conceded three late goals after their arrival.
• Van Dijk had been managing a calf problem sustained against Manchester City.
• He expects to be available for Saturday’s match against Brentford.

“Joe and I made it a bit more interesting after we came on,” Van Dijk said. “Things like that can happen. I was not expecting to play at all, so it was a surprise. It has been a long time since I did not start a match, but I still tried to contribute from off the pitch. It was unusual, but I should be okay for Saturday.”

Liverpool now turn back to league action, with defensive discipline from the opening minutes the immediate concern before Brentford. Barcola, meanwhile, heads into the weekend with fresh confidence after his European breakthrough.