Hasan
Paris Saint-Germain surprised many during the summer transfer window by not finding a direct replacement for Kylian Mbappé (25) after his free transfer to Real Madrid. However, with Bradley Barcola’s (22) impressive start to the season, PSG may have validated their decision to skip signing another left-winger.
Barcola, a former Lyon player, joined the Ligue 1 champions in the summer of 2023. Fans of Lyon were puzzled by his choice, given the fierce competition in Luis Enrique's forward line. Mbappé was seen as nearly irreplaceable in Paris, and with Barcola's preference for playing on the left, it seemed likely he would see limited playing time.
Initially, that concern proved accurate, as the Lyon academy graduate struggled to secure a spot in the starting lineup early on. However, he gradually established himself as a reliable option next to Mbappé before the conclusion of the previous season.
Now, with the France captain having moved to Spain, Barcola has emerged as a key player for PSG this season. Could he be the solution to filling the void left by Mbappé?
Having started as a striker at Lyon's youth academy, scoring has always been part of Barcola's game, a facet he aimed to enhance. While he showed effectiveness in attacking positions during his time at PSG and Lyon, he often played a creative role rather than a finishing one, netting 9 goals in 51 appearances during his first two Ligue 1 seasons.
This season, however, Barcola seems to have elevated his goal-scoring prowess. As of now, he leads the league with 6 goals in his first 6 matches. Despite starting every game, he hasn't played the full 90 minutes each time, totaling 374 minutes of action. His strike rate translates to a goal every 62 minutes, placing him among the elite in Europe.
Since emerging at Lyon, Barcola has not lacked confidence, but the added responsibility this season has appeared to unlock new potential. He has assumed a leadership role in the attack, embodying the concept of leading by example through his performances.
With remarkable skill and impressive dribbling, Barcola creates spectacular moments on the field. Defensively, his tireless work ethic and effectiveness in regaining possession make him a coach's ideal player. Compiling all his attributes, the 21-year-old has become essential this season, making the departure of Mbappé much more manageable for PSG.
