{
  "id": 5990218,
  "title": "Liverpool FC’s New Speed Merchants Bradley Barcola and Victor Munoz",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/liverpool-fcs-new-speed-merchants-bradley-barcola-and-victor-munoz",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-06T14:16:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/liverpool-fc-speed-merchants-bradley-141643193.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "LIVERPOOL, England - August 29 - Following the announcement of new head coach Andoni Iraola, it became evident that pacy wingers were crucial to his playing style. This was welcome news for Liverpool fans, who had endured a slow-paced approach during the previous season. Liverpool once possessed one of the most formidable attacking units, featuring Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino. While Firmino was known for his selflessness and ability to set up his teammates, the team's speed and power left opponents bewildered as goals were scored from the other end of the pitch.\n\nThe current season has seen Liverpool's new signings, Bradley Barcola and Victor Munoz, demonstrate impressive pace on the wings. Despite being less known, Munoz has already contributed an assist from a foul in the penalty box and scored a goal against Nottingham Forest. His raw talent and determination caught the attention of the 2026 World Cup-winning Spanish national squad.\n\nMunoz's physical build and power have drawn comparisons to former Liverpool player Xherdan Shaqiri, with the latter's physicality complemented by Munoz's skill and determination. Munoz's dominant play on the right wing has made him the primary starter, alleviating concerns about the team's lack of a right winger during the summer transfer window. However, the focus on positional flexibility rather than rigid role structures is evident, as both Munoz's performances and Iraola's expectations demonstrate the benefits of such an approach.\n\nNew signing Bradley Barcola made his debut in the match against Ipswich, receiving a standing ovation from the traveling Reds fans. Although Barcola did not score or provide an assist, he broke a Premier League season record for top speed, reaching 35.9 km/h during a single run (according to FotMob). Barcola's experience as a member of the French national squad, coupled with his elite status from previous performances with PSG, left this writer surprised by his impressive speed in his first appearance for Liverpool.\n\nWhile some supporters may be concerned about the effectiveness of pace against teams utilizing low-blocks, Liverpool's previous struggles with pace last season highlight the importance of fast wingers. Both Munoz and Barcola possess more to offer than just speed, with the potential to significantly impact Liverpool's attacking play on the wings. As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to observe the dynamic duo racing down the flanks, each bringing their unique strengths to the team.",
  "summary": "Pace might not be everything but it sure feels good to know Liverpool’s squad now has it back.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}