Thierry Henry has warned Liverpool that Bradley Barcola’s attacking qualities will only be fully effective if they are used in the right way following his €145m move from Paris Saint-Germain.
The Arsenal legend was speaking about his fellow Frenchman, who has joined Liverpool in a deal worth €145m. Henry praised the qualities that have made Barcola a major attacking threat but also pointed to an area of his game that needs improvement: his finishing.
“The main thing is to use his qualities correctly,” Henry said.
Barcola’s influence last season was reflected in his attacking numbers. He scored 13 goals and provided seven assists in 49 appearances, underlining his contribution over the course of the campaign.
However, Henry also identified Barcola’s conversion of chances as a weakness. His comments suggest that the way Liverpool deploy the forward will be important in ensuring that his strengths are made as effective as possible.
The fee involved in the transfer places significant focus on Barcola, with Liverpool paying €145m to sign him from Paris Saint-Germain. That figure makes the France international one of the most closely watched players at his new club, while Henry’s assessment highlights both the potential Barcola brings and the part of his game that remains open to improvement.
Barcola’s record of 13 goals and seven assists in 49 matches shows that he has already been productive, but Henry’s observation separates his overall attacking contribution from his efficiency in front of goal. The former Arsenal forward’s message is that Barcola’s qualities must be managed properly rather than judged solely by the chances he fails to convert.
For Liverpool, the priority will be to ensure that Barcola’s strengths are placed in situations where they can have the greatest impact. Henry’s advice is centred on using those attributes effectively, while also recognising that the player’s finishing remains a clear shortcoming.
The comments come as Barcola begins life at Liverpool after leaving Paris Saint-Germain. His previous season’s figures provide the statistical background to the move: 13 goals and seven assists from 49 matches. Liverpool have committed €145m to secure his services, and Henry believes the correct use of the player’s qualities will be central to making the transfer work.
The former Arsenal player’s view therefore combines encouragement with a note of caution. Barcola has demonstrated the ability to create an attacking contribution across a long campaign, but improving his finishing and making the most of his qualities will be essential as he starts his Liverpool career.