Bradley Barcola answered mounting criticism in emphatic fashion by scoring three times for Liverpool in their Champions League victory over Linz ASK.
The 24-year-old had failed to score in his first six matches of the season, placing him under increasing media scrutiny. The attention was heightened by the €140m Liverpool paid to sign him.
Starting on the second matchday of the Champions League, Barcola had a major opportunity to respond on the European stage. He took it with a decisive performance, scoring three goals as Liverpool’s attacking play repeatedly opened up Linz ASK’s defence.
His first goal came in the 24th minute. Lewis Koumas’ cut-back found the former Parisian in space, allowing Barcola to place his shot into the far corner.
Thirteen minutes later, Barcola doubled Liverpool’s advantage. Florian Wirtz supplied the pass into the area and, after taking an effective first touch to set himself, the France-born Togo international finished with his left foot past the Austrian goalkeeper.
The hat-trick was completed in the 66th minute following another well-worked Liverpool move. Rio Ngumoha and Jeremie Frimpong combined to create the opening, giving Barcola the chance to claim his third goal of the night.
The performance came at a significant point for Barcola. After a difficult start in front of goal, he turned the pressure surrounding his form into a clinical attacking display and underlined his place in Liverpool’s system.