Alexis Mac Allister is backing Bradley Barcola to play a key role in Liverpool's season and potentially help them win the UEFA Champions League.
Barcola joined the Reds from Paris Saint-Germain earlier this summer, arriving in an £123 million deal. Andoni Iraola's transfer chiefs pursued the Frenchman for months and eventually got their man just days before deadline day.
The 24-year-old has been making a name for himself in Ligue 1 over the years, first at Lyon, where he rose through the youth ranks. He then became one of the many superstar attacking talents in a PSG side that won the Champions League twice in a row.
Alexis Mac Allister Already in Awe of Bradley Barcola
PSG's stacked pool of attackers is exactly why Barcola opted to leave the Parc des Princes. He decided that Liverpool was the ideal destination and he's now part of another exciting frontline boasting Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Hugo Ekitike once his compatriot returns from injury.
Barcola made his debut last Friday when he came off the bench in a 2-0 win over Ipswich Town. Tonight, he could be handed his first start for the Merseyside outfit when they host Atletico Madrid in their Champions League opener.
Mac Allister, who is unsure whether he'll be offered a new contract, has been impressed with Barcola since the Frenchman joined the club. The Argentine midfielder spoke highly of his qualities in an interview with TNT Sports:
"He's been amazing since he came to the club. He's a very quiet guy, he doesn't speak much English, so it's difficult to communicate with him but on the pitch he's really amazing. His speed, acceleration and how he understands the game, he's gonna be really important for us. Hopefully he can score many, many goals and can win the Champions League again."
Liverpool will be hoping Barcola's arrival will help them get back to challenging for major honours. They endured a nosedive last season, surrendering their Premier League title crown and finishing fourth.
Iraola will be enthused by his new winger's experience in Europe's top-tier competition. With two winners' medals to his name, he knows how to get the job done.
Barcola Signing Has Been a Massive Boost For Liverpool
Many had written Liverpool off when the season started, and they hadn't managed to bring Barcola to Merseyside. A 2-2 draw away to Newcastle United and at home to Nottingham Forest raised doubts about their trophy credentials.
Barcola didn't have a massive influence on the Ipswich win, but his acquisition alone has lifted spirits in the squad and at Anfield. Isak is back to his best, having bagged a brace at Portman Road, while Gakpo is proving just why the club opted out of selling him to Manchester City.
The Atleti clash will be a good gauge of where this Iraola team stands and whether they can challenge for silverware this season. Barcola will certainly be out to impress.
