Bradley Barcola backed by Andoni Iraola to replace injured Alexander Isak at Liverpool

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has backed Bradley Barcola to step up in the absence of injured Alexander Isak, insisting the forward’s versatility gives him the ability to cover three positions in attack ahead of this weekend’s clash with Manchester City.

Barcola has struggled to make a decisive impact since the start of the season, failing to register a goal or assist in five appearances under Iraola. However, the Liverpool boss has defended the £123 million signing, arguing that his overall contribution should not be judged solely by his attacking numbers.

With Isak and Cody Gakpo unavailable, Barcola could be handed a crucial role as Liverpool prepare for a demanding encounter against City.

Iraola urges patience with Barcola

The French forward started Liverpool’s goalless draw against Fulham and their 1-0 victory over Bournemouth but has yet to translate promising moments into tangible results.

His closest attempt to breaking his goal drought came against Atletico Madrid, when he fired narrowly wide of the post.

Despite the lack of end product, Iraola believes the criticism directed at wingers who fail to score often overlooks their wider contributions to the team.

“I don’t think he is in a bad moment. With wingers, if they don’t score, they haven’t played well (the opinion), but we have to see the game as whole.

“I want him to be there (scoring the chances). He has played as a left winger and also as a striker, so he can cover three positions up front,” Iraola said.

The manager’s comments suggest he remains confident in Barcola’s ability to contribute, while acknowledging that the forward must become more clinical in front of goal.

Injury problems open door for Barcola

Liverpool’s attacking options have been reduced ahead of the meeting with Manchester City, with Isak and Gakpo ruled out through injury.

Their absences could provide Barcola with an opportunity to establish himself as a central figure in Iraola’s plans, potentially joining Victor Munoz, Florian Wirtz, Rio Ngumoha and Lewis Koumas in the attacking setup.

The Frenchman’s versatility could prove particularly valuable as Liverpool look to maintain their attacking threat against one of their toughest opponents.

Although Barcola has yet to produce a goal contribution this season, the opportunity to take on greater responsibility could help him rediscover the form that made him one of Europe’s most exciting attacking talents.

Former PSG star has point to prove

Barcola’s previous performances at Paris Saint-Germain offer encouragement that he can turn his current struggles around.

During the 2024-25 Ligue 1 campaign, he scored 14 goals and provided 10 assists, demonstrating the attacking quality Liverpool will hope to see more consistently.

Replicating those numbers in the Premier League would significantly strengthen his standing in the team and provide a timely boost as Liverpool navigate their injury problems.

The clash with Manchester City therefore presents an important opportunity for the forward to silence doubts about his early-season form.

With Isak and Gakpo unavailable, Liverpool may need Barcola to deliver more than promising runs and flashes of individual quality.