Bradley Barcola set a Premier League record on his Liverpool debut as Andoni Iraola provides a hint about how he will be eased into the team.
Liverpool completed a £123m deal with PSG to bring Barcola to the club before Deadline Day, and his 31-minute debut perfectly showcased how devastating he is in an attacking sense.
In the buildup to the game, French journalist Julien Laurens claimed that Barcola wasn’t ready to play any minutes for Liverpool, saying: “Fitness wise he’s not ready to even play I think a few minutes in the Premier League. So they will need to work on his fitness before he’s able to play first team football.”
Despite playing little more than half an hour, Barcola has already set the record for the first speed clocked in the Premier League this season, reaching a top speed of 35.9 km/h.
Bradley Barcola has already recorded the top speed in the Premier League this season ??? pic.twitter.com/8P9cXLaP1l
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 5, 2026
The Reds needed more pace in their attack after last season saw them struggle to expose teams under Arne Slot, but the brief glimpse we got of Barcola on Friday night suggests that’s set to change.
However, a measure of patience will be needed with the 23-year-old after his summer-long transfer saga meant that his substitute appearance against Ipswich Town was his first competitive appearance since the end of the World Cup.
Speaking after the 2-0 win at Portman Road, Andoni Iraola praised Barcola for his cameo, but admitted that he will need some time to increase his fitness levels.
“I think he had good minutes,” the Spaniard told Sky Sports. “I think he has a very good pass.
“In a counter, a couple of times we didn’t find him, so we will have to learn these kinds of movements because he will be in behind, threatening all the time.
“He hasn’t played any competitive minutes since the World Cup, so we have to be a little bit more careful, but I think he has been very good.”
Bradley Barcola vs Ipswich pic.twitter.com/CGVmeg8jDv
— ? (@k4comps) September 5, 2026
Liverpool face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League next, with the La Liga outfit visiting Anfield on Wednesday evening.
Bradley will likely make another appearance from the bench, but if Gakpo continues the form he’s showcased this season so far, it will be the Dutchman who wins the game for the Reds. He’s responded to the arrival of Barcola really well, with one goal and three assists already this season.
It will be interesting to see how Liverpool function with Barcola and Gakpo in the same team, with both players able to play anywhere across the front three.
