Liverpool’s attacking struggles have become a focal point as pressure mounts on new signings Bradley Barcola and Florian Wirtz to deliver improved performances. Both players have struggled to make a significant impact since joining the club, raising concerns among supporters and staff ahead of a crucial Champions League match against Austrian side LASK.
Barcola, who joined Liverpool from Paris Saint-Germain in a £123 million transfer, has yet to complete a full 90-minute match for the club. His delayed debut, following a 48-day period without competitive football after the World Cup third-place playoff in July, has partly contributed to a slow start, with only 336 minutes played over six appearances. Despite this, fans and analysts have begun scrutinizing his contributions, noting a lack of goals, assists, big chances created, interceptions, and possession won in the attacking third.
Liverpool’s support base is growing impatient for a standout performance from Barcola, especially given the significant investment made. Comparisons have been drawn to Anthony Gordon, who, after moving from Newcastle United, quickly found form with Barcelona. Liverpool had pursued Gordon before he turned to La Liga, eventually spending nearly double that amount on Barcola instead of the £65 million paid for the England winger. This highlights a broader debate around Liverpool's recent transfer strategy, previously shaped by Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes, who favored high-value signings over spreading the budget across multiple players. With both architects now departed, their approach faces increasing scrutiny.
Florian Wirtz, another expensive acquisition tasked with adding creativity, is also under pressure. Although his physical output remains strong, the demands of providing goals and assists seem to weigh heavily on him. Wirtz’s situation has been further complicated by the absence of striker Alexander Isak, which limited Liverpool’s attacking options during recent matches.
Manager Andoni Iraola has frequently addressed concerns about his attacking players’ form, cautioning against an overreliance on statistics. He maintains trust in both Barcola and Wirtz, emphasizing their potential and expressing confidence that they will produce better displays. Iraola also acknowledged that Liverpool’s offense has suffered during his early tenure, as the team’s initial focus has been on defensive solidity.
Against Manchester City, Barcola’s work rate was visible in defensive support, but he registered the fewest high-intensity pressures among Liverpool’s front four. Meanwhile, Wirtz’s creativity remains crucial, though the threat of being dropped looms if improvements do not materialize. Meanwhile, Alexis Mac Allister’s resurgence has shifted Ryan Gravenberch toward the fringes of the squad, though Gravenberch had performed competently until his sending-off against City, an incident that shifted momentum decisively.
Dominik Szoboszlai is expected to return from injury soon but is unlikely to feature in the upcoming match, which presents Liverpool with a tactical challenge. The options include reverting to a midfield trio reminiscent of their 2024-25 title-winning side, which featured Mac Allister and Gravenberch, but the team’s inability to generate enough goals and wins remains a key concern. Barcola and Wirtz were brought in to address that issue, yet their current performances have yet to deliver the expected creative spark.
As Liverpool approaches the midpoint of the season with a new coach on a limited contract, the urgency for attacking players to raise their levels is increasing. The upcoming fixtures, especially in Europe, could prove pivotal in assessing whether the club’s costly signings can turn their potential into consistent match-winning contributions.