Barcola misses sitters on Liverpool debut start but Iraola backs £123m signing

Bradley Barcola wasted two one-on-one opportunities in Liverpool’s 2-1 Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday, casting a shadow over what was otherwise an encouraging European debut for Arne Slot’s side. The £123m summer signing from PSG was hooked after an hour with cramp, having failed to convert chances that could have made his first start far more comfortable.

Barcola, who joined Liverpool late in August and made his debut as a substitute in Friday’s win at Ipswich Town, started on the right wing against Atletico. He had an effort saved by Jan Oblak and then sent a one-on-one wide of the post, leaving pundits unimpressed with his end product.

Former Tottenham midfielder Tim Sherwood was direct in his assessment. “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 on 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 did, however, acknowledge Barcola’s movement off the ball as a genuine asset. “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.”

Manager Andoni Iraola, making his first appearance in European club football, was far more measured in his verdict on the two-time Champions League winner. “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,” Iraola said after the match.

Elsewhere, Barcelona loanee Ronald Araujo continued to impress in an unfamiliar right-back role, capping a strong display by assisting Dominik Szoboszlai’s equaliser. The 27-year-old has featured in all four of Liverpool’s games this season, also excelling at centre-back. Liverpool hold a £47m option to sign him permanently at the end of the loan, though Barcelona sporting director Deco offered only a cryptic response when pressed on Araujo’s long-term future at the Catalan club.

Liverpool now turn their attention to Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Fulham, looking to build on back-to-back wins that have kept them among the early pacesetters.