Andoni Iraola issues Bradley Barcola verdict as £123m signing makes Liverpool debut | OneFootball

French winger made bow off bench in easy victory

Andoni Iraola offered his verdict on Bradley Barcola’s Liverpool debut in the Reds’ 2-0 win at Ipswich Town.

The Merseysiders comfortably swatted the Premier League new boys aside at Portman Road to record their first victory under their new manager, who had overseen two 2-2 draws in his first Premier League outings.

All eyes were on Barcola, the £123million signing from Paris Saint-Germain on Friday evening, and the winger was named on the bench, with a view to giving him his debut later on in the match.

He replaced fellow new recruit Victor Munoz on 64 minutes, receiving a rousing ovation from the travelling supporters, and he operated off the left flank, with Cody Gakpo, who himself stayed at the club despite heavy interest from Manchester City and Tottenham, switched to the right.

Debut: Bradley Barcola

Barcola’s involvements were subdued in East Anglia, but he looked tidy in possession in his brief cameo.

"I think he had good minutes,” Iraola told Sky Sports afterwards. “I think he has a very good pass.

"In a counter, a couple of times we didn't find him, so we will have to learn these kinds of movements because he will be in behind, threatening all the time.

"He hasn't played any competitive minutes since the World Cup, so we have to be a little bit more careful, but I think he has been very good."

The 24-year-old could well earn his first start for his new club in midweek, when the Reds open their Champions League campaign against Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday.