Andoni Iraola’s failed Bradley Barcola experiment leaves Liverpool with £123m dilemma

Daily Mirror writer Nathan Ridley argues that manager Andoni Iraola faces a tactical dilemma after deploying £123 million signing Bradley Barcola as a central striker. The tactical experiment occurred during Liverpool's 3-2 Champions League defeat against Fenerbahce on Wednesday. Iraola acknowledged after the match that Barcola performs significantly better as a wide player, suggesting the 24-year-old will not be used in the central forward role moving forward.

Ridley highlights that Barcola faces stiff competition for starting spots on the flanks from Cody Gakpo and teenager Rio Ngumoha. Pundit Jamie Carragher also criticized Liverpool's squad-building after the European loss, noting the squad's lack of balance despite heavy spending. While Barcola previously scored a hat-trick against LASK, he conceded in a recent Sky Sports interview that he is not yet playing at his absolute best.