Hamann Exclusive: Barcola Needs Time, But Ngumoha Not Ready to Start for Liverpool

· GiveMeSport

GIVEMESPORT spoke to Dietmar Hamann about Bradley Barcola's time at Liverpool so far, and why Rio Ngumoha isn't ready to start yet.

Liverpool legend Dietmar Hamann has backed Bradley Barcola to come good at Anfield, but wants him to step up following his £123m move from Paris Saint-Germain .

The France international completed a big-money move to the Premier League in the summer after shining during the World Cup, having been a major part of the squad in Paris that won back-to-back Champions League titles under Luis Enrique.

Since his arrival, Barcola has registered three goals and one assist for the Reds in eight appearances, with a hat-trick against LASK Linz in the Champions League his only goals, and his assist coming in the 2-1 win over Brentford this past weekend, bringing an end to his slow start to life in England.

But Barcola has faced criticism for some of his performances since joining, and speaking exclusively to GIVEMESPORT , Reds icon Hamann admitted that he feels the 23-year-old deserves the benefit of the doubt having just joined, and that he deserves time to adapt to life in the Premier League.

> “Barcola needs two or three months to adapt to the league, it's completely different to the French league, with more pace and physicality," he said.

> "Saying that Barcola came off the bench a lot during his time at PSG, with Doué, Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia starting more often than not. So, he has to show his ability as a starter now. Playing every three days is very different to playing twice a month.

> "He’s got to step up and help the team this season, which he hasn’t done yet, but he deserves the benefit of the doubt being so new to the league.”

With Barcola not showing enough to cement a starting spot in the team for many, there have been calls for teenage sensation Rio Ngumoha to start more often in his place.

The 17-year-old impressed in his breakthrough campaign last season, and earned himself an England call-up, where he impressed manager Thomas Tuchel .

> "Rio was very impressive at this kind of age. He was explosive, he was adventurous, he was strong and one-on-ones like a true winger!"

> "We are very excited about his potential and about his natural courage and adventurous style of play."

But despite his obvious qualities and ability, Hamann told GIVEMESPORT that he sees risks in starting a player his age too often and feels he may not be ready yet.

> “In terms of Rio Ngumoha being used more in the first team, there are risks as he is still very young.

> "He gets minutes, and I see him starting the odd game. I think you have to take it easy with him, it’s not easy for a young lad to come into a side that’s struggling.

> "Of course, he had some fantastic performances last year when he did play, but it's a big ask to be starting week in week out."

GIVEMESPORT spoke exclusively to Liverpool legend Didi Hamann, who shared his thoughts on Florian Wirtz's time at Anfield.

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