Ex-Liverpool star hits back at ‘overrated’ Bradley Barcola claim in staunch defence of £123m man

Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has defended Bradley Barcola following criticism from Emmanuel Petit, who labeled the £123 million summer signing overrated. Petit argued that Liverpool paid over the odds, suggesting Barcola lacked consistency and was worth only £60m to £70m. Johnson responded by calling the France international winger "world class," insisting that players should not be judged strictly by their transfer fees.

Barcola joined Liverpool from Paris Saint-Germain in August but has scored only three goals across 13 appearances, all coming in a hat-trick against LASK. Johnson stated that Barcola brings necessary competition to Liverpool's squad under manager Andoni Iraola, despite recent struggles in an unfamiliar striker role during a 3-2 defeat to Fenerbahce.