Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant has backed Bradley Barcola to settle into the Premier League faster than Florian Wirtz. Speaking to NetBet Sport following Barcola’s £123M move to Liverpool, Pennant stated that Barcola will adapt quicker because wing play is less “brutal” than central midfield. “I think everyone who comes to the Prem has to adapt differently to their style.
All the football in the European leagues are nowhere as competitive as they are in the Premier League. “But if you look at Barcola’s game, it kind of tailors towards the Premier League. He’s quick, he’s strong for his size and physique and if you’ve got those attributes in the Premier League, you go a long way. “I was quick and I wasn’t the strongest but it worked out.
I played in the Premier League my whole life. “I think he’ll adapt quicker than Florian Wirtz because the position that Wirtz is in, he’s up against the big boys in that middle of the field. That’s where the hard work gets put in. On the wings, it’s a little bit different. It’s not as brutal as it is in the middle.
The games that he’s played in, Barcola, the little snippets, I thought he’s done really well.” Barcola lasted an hour against Atletico before he was hooked with cramp. Fans will be keen to hear updates from Iraola in his press conference this week ahead of the clash with Fulham.