Bradley Barcola Set for Premier League Debut with Liverpool
Bradley Barcola has barely walked through the door at Liverpool, but he is already on the brink of a Premier League debut.
The French winger, a two-time Champions League winner, wrapped up his move from Paris Saint-Germain on Monday and has wasted no time getting to work. After joining training with his new teammates this week, he is in line to be involved when the Reds travel to Portman Road to face Ipswich Town on Friday night.
Iraola: “He just wanted to come here”
Head coach Andoni Iraola made no attempt to hide his delight at landing Barcola, describing the 21-year-old as a key target for the club.
“We are very happy with Bradley. It was our priority, let's say, to sign a very, very good player in that position,” Iraola said at his Thursday morning press conference.
What impressed him most was not just the medals, but the mindset.
“I think he has come also with the right mentality. I've liked from him that he wanted Liverpool a lot. He just wanted to come here and I think that's a good first sign.
“Being the player that he is and the things that he has won recently, I think he has come also with the willingness to help us. I'm very happy with him.”
Barcola has already trained with the group and, fitness permitting, will be part of the squad under the lights.
“He trained well with us. If everything goes well in today's training also, he will definitely be available for tomorrow, yes.”
Start or bench?
Availability is one thing. Starting in the Premier League after a disrupted summer is another.
Asked whether Barcola is ready to go straight into the XI, Iraola paused on the dilemma facing him before the opening game.
“It's a good question, it's a good question,” he admitted. “I see him in a good place. He has trained with us in three trainings. It's true that he hasn't had minutes in pre-season but he has been training normal with the group. Then it's a decision we have to make.
“I think he's in a good place but we also have to consider that he hasn't had the minutes in the pre-season games.”
So the stage is set. A Champions League winner, a new league, a manager tempted to throw him straight in. Portman Road will reveal how bold Iraola is prepared to be on night one.
