Bradley Barcola's Potential Premier League Debut for Liverpool

Bradley Barcola has barely unpacked his bags, but Liverpool are already weighing up throwing him straight into the Premier League spotlight.

The French winger, a two-time Champions League winner, finalised his move from Paris Saint-Germain on Monday and has since joined full training with his new teammates. Barring any late setback, he will be in the squad when the Reds open their league campaign at Portman Road on Friday night.

Iraola: "He just wanted to come here"

Head coach Andoni Iraola made no attempt to hide his satisfaction at landing Barcola, describing him as a key piece of Liverpool’s summer business.

"We are very happy with Bradley. It was our priority, let's say, to sign a very, very good player in that position," Iraola said on Thursday morning.

What has impressed him most is not the medals, but the mindset.

"I think he has come also with the right mentality. I've liked from him that he wanted Liverpool a lot. He just wanted to come here and I think that's a good first sign.

"Being the player that he is and the things that he has won recently, I think he has come also with the willingness to help us. I'm very happy with him."

Barcola has already taken part in three sessions with the squad and, physically, looks ready to be involved.

"He trained well with us. If everything goes well in today's training also, he will definitely be available for tomorrow, yes."

Starter or impact from the bench?

Availability is one thing. Starting a Premier League opener after a disrupted summer is another.

Pressed on whether Barcola could go straight into the XI, Iraola admitted it is a live debate inside the coaching staff.

"It's a good question, it's a good question," he said. "I see him in a good place. He has trained with us in three trainings.

"It's true that he hasn't had minutes in pre-season but he has been training normal with the group. Then it's a decision we have to make.

"I think he's in a good place but we also have to consider that he hasn't had the minutes in the pre-season games."

So the dilemma is clear. Do Liverpool unleash their marquee wide signing from the first whistle, or hold him back as a potentially devastating option off the bench in Suffolk?