BRADLEY BARCOLA has wasted no time making his mark at Liverpool after setting a stunning new Premier League record just 31 minutes into his debut.
The £123million summer signing clocked a top speed of 35.9km/h during the Reds’ 2-0 victory over Ipswich.
That made the French winger the fastest player recorded in the Premier League this season, according to FotMob.
Barcola was handed his Liverpool debut in the 64th minute, replacing Victor Munoz as boss Andoni Iraola introduced his blockbuster new arrival.
And it did not take long for the 24-year-old to showcase exactly what Liverpool have paid so heavily for.
The former Paris Saint-Germain star’s blistering pace immediately gave Ipswich’s defence another problem to deal with.
READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
CRACKER
Win stunning £600k 4-Bedroom Luxury Home & BMW X5 for just £1.79 with our discount
ICONS’ TEAM-UP
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi could play together for first time ever
Liverpool fans had endured a lengthy transfer saga before finally seeing Barcola arrive at Anfield.
But the Frenchman’s first appearance suggests the wait could be worth it.
Barcola was pleased with the win and boss Iraola was also impressed by his cameo.
The Liverpool boss said: “I think he had good minutes. I think he has a very good pass.”
Most read in Sport
WILL’S BILL
Serena and Venus Williams lose US Open doubles match – and now face huge fines
ICONS’ TEAM-UP
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi could play together for first time ever
SHEAR BEAUTY
Prem icon’s daughter stuns in bikini as she parties on hen do in Ibiza
Czech mate
Littler ends six-month exile to spend time with partner to return to Euro Tour
SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS
Saturday 5 September
Brentford
1 – 1
EPL
Sunderland
Brighton
1 – 1
EPL
Leeds
Fulham
2 – 3
EPL
Palace
Man City
1 – 0
EPL
Coventry
Forest
0 – 0
EPL
Spurs
Hull
17:30
Live Teams
Villa
Saturday 5 September
Forest
0 – 0
EPL
Spurs
Man City
1 – 0
EPL
Coventry
Fulham
2 – 3
EPL
Palace
Brighton
1 – 1
EPL
Leeds
Brentford
1 – 1
EPL
Sunderland
Newcastle
2 – 2
EPL
Bournemouth
English Premier League
Pld
Pts
GD
W
D
L
Form
1
3
9
5
3
0
0
2
2
6
4
2
0
0
3
2
6
3
2
0
0
4
2
6
2
2
0
0
5
3
5
3
1
2
0
6
3
5
2
1
2
0
7
3
5
2
1
2
0
8
3
5
1
1
2
0
He added: “In a counter, a couple of times we didn’t find him, so we will have to learn these kinds of movements because he will be in behind, threatening all the time.”
Iraola also admitted Liverpool would need to manage Barcola carefully after his lack of competitive action.
He said: “He hasn’t played any competitive minutes since the World Cup, so we have to be a little bit more careful, but I think he has been very good.”
Barcola could now be handed his first Liverpool start when Atletico Madrid visit Anfield for their Champions League opener on Wednesday.
The France international had made it clear he wanted to leave PSG, informing the French giants that he would not sign a new contract.
Despite interest from a number of clubs, Barcola’s preference was to join Liverpool and the Reds eventually got their man.
However, he could face a battle to secure a regular starting spot.
Cody Gakpo‘s proposed move to Manchester City failed to materialise, leaving the Dutchman firmly in the Liverpool squad.
RECOMMENDED STORIES
And Gakpo has already laid down a marker, setting up both of Liverpool’s goals in the win at Ipswich.
Barcola may have the speed record, but his next challenge will be proving he can turn that frightening pace into regular goals and assists for the Premier League champions.