Bradley Barcola scrutinised after Liverpool’s Champions League win over Atletico
Liverpool came from behind to beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday, extending a strong start under Andoni Iraola after their 2-0 Premier League victory over Ipswich Town.
The European win brought a difficult first Liverpool start for Bradley Barcola into focus. The £123 million summer arrival from Paris Saint-Germain created danger but failed to take his best chances against Atletico, including a one-on-one effort sent wide and another clear opening stopped by Jan Oblak.
Barcola had made his competitive debut as a substitute in the win over Ipswich on Friday before being selected on the right flank against Atletico. Usually deployed from the left, he was taken off after an hour with cramp following a frustrating night in front of goal.
Finishing under scrutiny
Tim Sherwood was critical of Barcola’s finishing, despite acknowledging the forward repeatedly found promising positions.
“It was not a good evening for him,” Sherwood said. “He had plenty of chances and looked dangerous, but when he got in on Oblak he could not apply the finish. I do not see him as an elite finisher. He missed several very good opportunities.”
There was also praise for the movement Barcola can bring to Liverpool’s attack. Sherwood pointed to the winger’s willingness to run beyond defenders and make off-ball movements, offering a different route through organised back lines.
“His strength is that he pushes defenders back,” he added. “He makes runs without needing the ball at his feet. He goes in behind, comes short and moves well.”
What happens next
Liverpool return to Premier League action at Fulham on Saturday, with the side aiming to carry their domestic and European momentum into another demanding fixture. Barcola will be targeting another chance to score his first goal in English football and answer the criticism of his Atletico display.
Ronald Araujo, meanwhile, continued to impress at right-back after arriving on loan from Barcelona, adapting well to a role away from his more familiar defensive position.
