French media rip into ‘messy’ Bradley Barcola after Liverpool struggles

Bradley Barcola’s difficult start to life at Liverpool has continued to raise questions after the winger endured another underwhelming performance for France.

The 24-year-old was given just 4.5/10 by Eurosport France following France’s 1-0 Nations League victory over Belgium, with the publication describing his display as “messy”.

Barcola featured for 77 minutes as Michael Olise’s late strike secured a second consecutive victory for Zinedine Zidane since taking charge of the national team. However, the Liverpool forward once again struggled to make a meaningful impact and left the pitch with his performance under scrutiny.

His numbers reflected an evening in which he found it difficult to influence proceedings. Barcola registered an expected goals figure of just 0.05 and surrendered possession eight times against Belgium, adding to concerns over his recent form.

French media turn on Barcola

The criticism was not limited to Eurosport France.

Foot Mercato, Get French Football News and Maxifoot each rated Barcola at 5/10, highlighting another disappointing display from a player who has yet to reproduce the level expected of him consistently.

Eurosport France went further by awarding him 4.5/10 and labelling his performance “messy”.

The assessment comes at an awkward time for Barcola, whose club form has also failed to provide much encouragement since his move to Liverpool.

Liverpool move yet to take off

Barcola has made five appearances for the Reds since arriving at Anfield but is still waiting for his first goal contribution under manager Andoni Iraola.

Competition for places has also made his start particularly challenging. Iraola has used Barcola alongside Cody Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha and Victor Munoz in the battle for positions on the wing, leaving the Frenchman with little room for an extended run without delivering.

His closest attempt at opening his Liverpool account came in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid, when he found space but sent his effort wide of the post.

That miss has become part of a wider pattern in which Barcola has struggled to turn promising moments into tangible output.

Manchester City test awaits

Barcola will now return to Liverpool with another opportunity to respond when the international break ends.

The Reds are scheduled to face Manchester City, currently the Premier League leaders, in what could provide a significant test for the winger.

With his performances for both club and country attracting increasing scrutiny, Barcola will be expected to produce a stronger response when he next gets the opportunity.

For now, the 4.5/10 rating from Eurosport France and the “messy” assessment underline the frustration surrounding a player still searching for his best form at Liverpool.