Liverpool news: Bradley Barcola issue called out as transfer chief breaks silence on star

· Mirror

Bradley Barcola's first start for Liverpool has been addressed after a mixed evening in the Champions League for the former PSG winger

Liverpool face Fulham on Saturday, looking to uphold their recent good form. A comprehensive 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town last week was followed by a 2-1 Champions League win over Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, as the Reds got their European campaign underway.

Andoni Iraola impressed during his first-ever game in Europe's premier competition as his side came from a goal down to secure the three points. Two talking points from the Champions League fixture have been the performances of new signing Bradley Barcola and Barcelona loanee Ronald Araujo.

The duo had somewhat contrasting evenings, with the ex-PSG man coming in for some criticism. Araujo, however, continues to shine in a relatively unfamiliar right-back role and his future has been discussed by a Barca transfer chief. Here, Mirror Football takes a closer look.

Bradley Barcola issue called out

Barcola has been called out for his subpar finishing in the win over Atletico. The winger completed his £123million move from PSG late in August, with the two-time Champions League winner viewed as a game-changer for the Reds.

The left-sided forward made his debut off the bench in Friday's win at Ipswich but made his first start against Atleti on the right wing. Barcola lasted an hour before he was hooked with cramp but should've marked his maiden start with a goal.

He saw an effort saved by Jan Oblak while he also fluffed a one-on-one, sending it wide of the post. Former Spurs star Tim Sherwood has taken Barcola to task for his underwhelming display in front of goal.

He said on Sky Sports:

> “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 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.

> “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.”

Iraola, however, is happy with the Reds' mega-money signing. He said:

> "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."

Update on Araujo's future

Barcelona sporting director Deco offered a cryptic response about Araujo's long-term future. The Reds signed the 27-year-old on loan from the Catalan giants last month and have a £47m option to buy him permanently.

Araujo has featured in all four of Liverpool’s games so far this season and has excelled at centre-back and while deputising at right-back. He has even shown attacking prowess, assisting Dominik Szoboszlai’s equaliser in the victory against Atleti.

Araujo's Barca exit was sanctioned after falling down the pecking order following a difficult season last term. Deco has admitted he doesn't know whether the defender will return to the Camp Nou, but has confessed he is a huge fan of the 27-year-old.

> “Yesterday I was watching the match of Liverpool,” Deco told RAC 1. “Good assist he made, huh? I was watching the match at home.

> "I think football goes beyond just being a player of ours, right? I mean, to Ronald, I have affection for him, I love him, I want things to go well for him, I want him to succeed and be happy as a person.

> “To me personally, he's a player that I love. For me, at some moment he couldn't be at his best moment, but I think Ronald has been, until now, his spell at Barca has been spectacular. Sometimes ideas don't coincide, the player's moment, and sometimes it's good to look for an exit, that also helps you.

> “I don't know [if he’ll come back], let's see, he has a contract with us. It's very early still. He's a player that we have a lot of respect for and I would tell you plenty of affection, not only us as a club, but also the locker room, so from here, let's see. It's a topic for the future."

Meanwhile, the Uruguayan has claimed that he is happy at Anfield.

> “Liverpool is a big club like Barcelona,” he told Movistar. “You have to give your best and there are high expectations. I am happy, I’m working hard as you can see also on the pitch. I am happy here and hungry for more."

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