Former Arsenal forward Paul Merson has expressed doubts over Bradley Barcola's qualities to help Liverpool this season.
Barcola joined the Reds in a £123 million deal from Paris Saint-Germain on the summer transfer deadline day and he has played in three matches in all competitions.
After coming off the bench against Ipswich Town for his Premier League debut on September 4, the France international made his first league start in the goalless draw against Fulham last Saturday.
Barcola struggled to make an impact at Anfield over the weekend, registering just a shot and a key pass in 72 minutes.
PAUL MERSON EXPRESSES WORRY OVER BARCOLA CONTRIBUTION
Following Barcola's uninspiring outing against Fulham, Merson has expressed worry about how the French star can make an impact in Andoni Iraola's team.
The former Premier League star believes Liverpool need more than just Barcola's pace to execute games and secure maximum points.
"I also like Bradley Barcola, but I'm not sure if he was what they needed," Merson said on his Sky Sports column.
"If you said to me, what's Barcola's game? He's quick. Now, you play at Liverpool, you don't really have to be that quick.
"You don't have to be like the fastest man in the Premier League. You've got to have a bit more. And at the moment, I am not sure.
"He'll have his games, don't get me wrong, but I think they needed someone with more guile.
"Mohamed Salah, when he ripped it up, had that guile and that is why he was so successful at the club.
"You don't just need pace at Liverpool. No one has a go at Liverpool. Everyone sits players behind the ball."
WHAT BARCOLA BRINGS TO LIVERPOOL
Indeed, Liverpool need more than just Barcola's pace as they currently sit seventh in the Premier League table with just a win after four matches.
The French star also offers a high rate of ball recoveries when out of possession and a precise eye for goal, which were crucial for Paris Saint-Germain's European dominance over the last two seasons.
Last season, he finished as PSG's top scorer in Ligue 1 with 11 goals and he scored three goals for France at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Barcola will be hoping to open his Liverpool account just before the international break with the Reds set to face Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday and Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday..
