Van Dijk's Brutal Assessment of Barcola Lays Bare Liverpool's Glaring Weakness

Bradley Barcola's anticipated transfer to Liverpool had become so widely known by Saturday afternoon that Virgil van Dijk felt comfortable enough to openly discuss the possibility of playing alongside the Paris Saint-Germain winger. Notably, the Dutch captain highlighted one particular attribute Barcola would bring to Anfield: speed.

Liverpool have been pursuing attacking additions throughout the summer. Following a successful negotiation with the reigning European champions, the Reds managed to drive Barcola's fee down to a total package valued at $166 million (£123 million), making him the second-most expensive Premier League signing in history, rather than the outright record holder as PSG had originally demanded.

Numerous qualities have persuaded Liverpool to invest such a staggering amount in Barcola. The established France international netted three goals at the World Cup, holds two Champions League winners' medals and finished as PSG's leading scorer in Ligue 1 last season. He won't turn 24 until the day after the transfer window shuts.

Nevertheless, for Van Dijk, it was Barcola's raw pace that stood out above all else.

"He's a player with pace," the Dutch defender enthused when cautiously addressing the imminent deal following Saturday's 2–2 draw with Nottingham Forest. "I remember a goal he scored against Chelsea [in the Champions League]. If he comes here then he will be welcomed with open arms."

Barcola is electrifying on the pitch. During PSG's charge to a second European title, the Frenchman ranked as the second fastest winger throughout the entire tournament, according to FotMob. Interestingly, the top speedster in that competition, Mika Godts, has been recruited this summer by PSG as Barcola's successor.

Luis Enrique, much like Van Dijk, has no question about how vital pace remains in the contemporary game. Liverpool need as much of it as they can acquire.

Liverpool's Exodus of Speed

Van Dijk was once among the quickest players in world football. During Liverpool's historic 2018–19 Champions League triumph, the Dutch defender recorded the highest top speed in the competition. However, as the years have gradually eroded the 35-year-old's quickness, his teammates have similarly lost a step.

The finest Liverpool sides in recent memory were constructed around a frontline of devastating speed. Sadio Mané, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah gave the best defenses in the league sleepless nights. "The forwards for Liverpool are good," Pep Guardiola was famously heard lamenting in Manchester City's All or Nothing documentary from 2017–18. "Those three upfront. They scare me. They're dangerous."

All three have since moved on, taking that intimidation factor with them.

Liverpool's Fastest Players in 2025–26 Premier League Season

Stats via FotMob.

Not a single Liverpool forward featured among the Premier League's 50 fastest players last season. Remarkably, a 34-year-old Salah — widely written off as past his best — remained the club's speediest winger, outpacing the underwhelming trio of Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa and Florian Wirtz.

Even the players capable of hitting top gear have departed this summer, with Salah joined through the exit door by Ibrahima Konaté and Andy Robertson. Hugo Ekitiké and Conor Bradley appear to have pace to spare, yet both continue to work their way back from extended injury layoffs.

In a system that demands as much intensity as the one implemented by Andoni Iraola, Liverpool require genuine pace. Victor Muñoz appears to have injected some speed during his opening appearances on Merseyside, while Barcola will look to provide even greater directness going forward.

"He's a good player," Van Dijk concluded in his brief remarks about Barcola. "I don't think there's any doubt that a club like Liverpool is very attractive to very good players."

Yet, that appeal — particularly for someone of Barcola's caliber — clearly runs in both directions.