Bradley Barcola has reappeared on Barcelona's radar as they seek a natural left winger to complement Lamine Yamal's attacking threat. We have reported before about the links of Barcola to Barcelona, but things have become more interesting as of late.
Mundo Deportivo have reported that the 23-year-old Frenchman is one of the principal candidates for the "pure winger" profile which is conspicuously absent from Hansi Flick's tactical makeup.
The profile: Elite verticality and dribbling
Barcola is a vertical player who excels in 1v1 duels. Where other wingers might drift inside or operate in tight spaces, the 23-year-old French international stays wide, stretching the opposition and creating room for his team.
- Efficient in 1v1: The 23-year-old averages 4.2 dribbles per 90 with a success rate that places him in the top 5% of wingers across Europe's top five leagues.
- Explosive Speed: Barcola has hit a top speed of 34.1 km/h this season; a key attribute required in Hansi Flick's high-intensity counter-pressing, and quick transition game.
- Work rate: Far from a luxury winger, Barcola is a committed individual who averages 2.1 tackles and interceptions per game. He is someone who is prepared to do his share to enable the high defensive line.
The fit: Hansi Flick
Hansi Flick relies on wingers capable of winning individual duels and then delivering low, hard crosses into the 'danger zone'.
Symmetry with Yamal:
With Lamine Yamal frequently double and sometimes triple-teamed on the right-hand side, Barcola will be able to provide a lethal threat on the opposite flank.
Where opposing teams overcommit to the right-hand side to contain Yamal, Barcola can find himself isolated in a 1v1 situation, precisely the sort of scenario he thrives in.
Directness:
He is primarily a player that wants to get forward to the goal. The 23-year-old is more direct than many players, minimizing horizontal passes in favour of more 'attacking intent' to the opposing box. This is a tactical preference Hansi Flick admires.
The weaknesses: The question marks
Barcola is not yet the complete player, and there are aspects of his game which are needed for improvement.
- Finishing consistency: Barcola currently converts about 12% of his efforts on goal. He generates high quality chances with his excellent movement, but does not always finish well.
- Physicality against low block: In games against sides sitting deep, Barcola can be crowded out. He's a player who requires space to make the acceleration in order to flourish and can be muted when faced by deep blocking teams.
- Decision making: A still relatively young player in his early 20s, Barcola occasionally looks to take a difficult shot when there's a simple pass available.
The financial reality: €70M barrier
The main obstacle remains cost. PSG have plans to make Barcola a long-term option and estimates place a transfer fee in the region of at least €70 million.
1:1 Impact: To make such a purchase, Barcelona would have to erase their current €12M deficit in terms of the 1:1 rule. And likely sell some big names, like Jules Kounde who has been subject to an €80M bid from Liverpool.
Market Opportunity: In the absence of other notable choices like recently linked Anthony Gordon, the French winger fits the mold for what the Blaugrana require.
Everything summed up
Bradley Barcola seems to fit the "tactical twin" description almost perfectly. He possesses the pace, width and defensive commitment which Hansi Flick wants from his wide players.
However the Barcelona board will need to consider the investment they would be making for a player who still needs to improve his efficiency in the final third.
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