Jamie Carragher was pleased to see Bradley Barcola bag a hat-trick in Liverpool's 6-3 win over Austrian outfit LASK in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.

It's been a difficult start to life at Anfield for Barcola following his big-money move in the summer. He arrived from Paris Saint-Germain for a reported £123 million including add-ons.

Barcola had been viewed as one of the most exciting attackers in world football when he headed to Merseyside. But a run of six games without a goal or assist raised question marks over his new club's decision to spend big on his signature.

Jamie Carragher Hails 'Brilliant' Bradley Barcola

Barcola responded to critics with a man of the match performance in an enthralling victory away at LASK. He scored a hat-trick, taking all of his three goals well and proved a threat throughout.

Ronald Araujo opened the scoring for the Reds while Jeremie Frimpong and youngster Lewis Koumas were also on target. The hosts did respond through Robert Ljubicic and Florian Flecker's brace but Andoni Iraola's men made it six points out of six at the start of the Champions League campaign.

Carragher who hasn't been afraid to criticise Liverpool's big-money signings especially Florian Wirtz, praised Barcola. He said on CBS Sports Golazo:

“Brilliant for him. He made a slow start, only played four or five games but didn’t get a goal or assist."

Carragher also joked: "Never scored more than once in a Champions League game so once he puts a red shirt on he gets three."

This was also Barcola's first senior hat-trick of his career and a perfect way to prove his worth to those questioning his transfer. He will be hoping that this helps kickstart his Liverpool career.

Lucy Ward Also Applauds Barcola

Not only did Barcola impress Carragher but also Lucy Ward who was on commentary for TNT Sports. The former Leeds United Women's striker gave a glowing verdict of the Frenchman:

"Barcola has been fantastic throughout this whole game. His first goal gave him the confidence and he has shown it all the way through. It's all about those milestones. The first goal, the first hat-trick, is being dominant and having that belief. He's been brilliant."

Barcola's slow start had many convinced he is struggling adapting to life in English football. Many pointed to his inability to speak English and how that might be hindering him.

While LASK aren't one of the tougher opposition Iraola's side will face this season, he's shown that the football media world are too quick to write players off. Next up for him and his team is a trip to high-flying Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday (October 17th).