17-pass Liverpool player was ‘virtually anonymous’ v Fenerbahce; it’ll be a ‘concern’ for Iraola

During Liverpool's 3-2 loss to Fenerbahce in the Champions League, one of their players was described as "virtually anonymous." The Swedish striker Alexander Isak came on as a substitute, scored his first touch, but the goal was ultimately irrelevant as Fenerbahce went on to win. Liverpool's Bradley Barcola, who played in an unfamiliar center-forward role, was given low marks by the Liverpool Echo reporter Paul Gorst, who rated him 4/10.

Barcola stayed on the pitch for the entire match but struggled to make an impact in his new role. The Frenchman failed to capitalize on a cross from Joe Gomez and was considered peripheral overall. Iraola has made it clear that he prefers his attackers to be versatile, able to play across the forward line. However, this experiment with Barcola did not work as hoped.

It remains to be seen if Isak will return to the center-forward position for Liverpool's upcoming match against Crystal Palace, or if Barcola will revert to a wider role or be excluded from the starting lineup following his subdued performance.