Andoni Iraola’s big Bradley Barcola plan revealed after Liverpool’s Fulham stalemate

French winger yet to find his spark at Anfield, but Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola insists he will be used on both flanks throughout the season

Bradley Barcola is set to operate on both wings for Liverpool for the rest of the season as manager Andoni Iraola looks to unlock the French winger’s attacking threat.

Barcola has endured a subdued start to life at Anfield following his £123 million move from Paris Saint-Germain, with his latest outing failing to provide the spark Liverpool desperately needed in a frustrating draw with Fulham.

The 24-year-old was unable to make a significant impact as Liverpool were held to a goalless draw at Anfield, extending concerns over an attack that has struggled to consistently trouble opponents.

Despite Liverpool remaining unbeaten under Iraola this season, supporters are still waiting to see the explosive qualities that persuaded the club to invest heavily in the former PSG star.

Iraola reveals Barcola’s role

Iraola has now made it clear that Barcola’s versatility will be an important part of Liverpool’s plans, with the winger expected to switch between the left and right sides depending on the demands of each match.

The Liverpool boss believes the club’s four wingers are capable of operating on either flank and will be deployed according to the opposition, tactical requirements and defensive responsibilities.

“I think I said it a lot of times, we have four wingers and probably before the season everyone would say we had more left wingers than right wingers because they’ve played more there.

“All the wingers will play on the right and play on the left, depending on the match-ups, depending where we think they are going to be more dangerous, depending sometimes on the defensive demands, depending what we feel, what we analyse.

“I think Bradley, I think everyone – the four of them – have already played both sides and it is going to be all the season like this.”

The comments suggest Barcola’s role will not be restricted to his preferred position on the left, with Iraola prepared to move him across the frontline in search of favourable match-ups.

£123m signing yet to explode

Liverpool made Barcola one of their major statements in the summer transfer window, paying £123 million to secure his services from PSG on a five-year contract.

The France international arrived on Merseyside with an impressive record from his time in Paris, where he scored 39 goals and registered 35 assists in 152 appearances.

He also won the Champions League twice with the French giants, building a reputation as one of Europe’s most dangerous wide attackers.

That pedigree has raised expectations at Liverpool, but Barcola has yet to consistently reproduce his best form since arriving at the club.

His latest performance against Fulham offered little encouragement, as Liverpool struggled to break down a disciplined defence at Anfield.

Liverpool searching for attacking spark

Barcola was substituted after 72 minutes, with Rio Ngumoha introduced in his place, but the change failed to alter the contest as Liverpool were forced to settle for a point.

The result leaves Iraola’s side sixth in the table despite their unbeaten start to the campaign.

For Liverpool, the immediate challenge is to turn that unbeaten record into a stronger run of victories, and Barcola could prove central to those ambitions.

Iraola’s decision to use him on either flank could provide Liverpool with greater tactical flexibility while giving the £123 million signing more opportunities to find his rhythm.