Liverpool’s agreement to sign Barcola could add a completely different dimension to their attack, particularly under Andoni Iraola.
The French winger’s greatest strength is his ability to attack space with explosive acceleration. Rather than always coming towards the ball, Barcola can threaten the space behind defenders, stretching the pitch and creating opportunities for teammates to exploit.
That could be particularly important for Wirtz. Liverpool have several attackers who prefer receiving the ball to feet, but Barcola gives Wirtz a genuine runner to target with through balls. His movement between the centre back and fullback, through the centre of the defence or into spaces between midfield lines, gives Liverpool another way to progress the ball.
The potential combinations become even more exciting when Muñoz, Frimpong and Isak are added to the equation. Muñoz offers another explosive runner, while Frimpong can provide an overlapping option on the outside. Isak gives Liverpool a focal point in the penalty area and another player capable of linking attacks together.
This movement could be especially valuable against teams defending in a low block. Liverpool can circulate possession before suddenly playing through the lines, using Barcola and Muñoz to attack the spaces created by defenders moving towards the ball.
Barcola’s finishing remains an area that can improve. However, his movement, acceleration and ability to create separation could make him highly effective even when he is not the player finishing every attack.
The combination of Barcola, Wirtz, Muñoz and Isak offers Liverpool the potential for a fast, aggressive and unpredictable attacking system. If Iraola can develop those movements into consistent patterns, Liverpool could have a front line capable of creating chaos from multiple areas of the pitch.