'Steady on fella' - Bradley Barcola: Troy Deeney wrong to slam Liverpool star for 'not playing well'

Troy Deeney has slammed Bradley Barcola after his start to life at Liverpool following his £123million move from PSG.

The winger claimed last week that his adaptation to the Premier League left him with the impression that Ligue 1 is a more tactical league, although he admitted that PSG manager Luis Enrique may well be behind that experience.

The Frenchman initially struggled following the big-money switch, but now looks to be finding his feet and scored a hat-trick against LASK in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Barcola should have had added at least two more goals against Brentford on Saturday as Liverpool came from behind to win 2-1, but the winger remained heavily involved throughout and assisted Alexander Isak's winner.

His huge price tag will continue to carry heavy expectations, however, and there is a feeling that the France international still has some way to go to start to justify it.

Liverpool teammate Florian Wirtz continues to struggle with the £116m price tag paid for him last summer, with it hoped that Barcola will enjoy a smoother transition.

What did Troy Deeney say?

Speaking last week, Barcola opened up on his first few months at Liverpool and was asked about the differences he has found.

"It's different; I find it less tactical, although we had a very, very tactical coach [at PSG], but overall, I think it's less tactical; there are less changes on the pitch," he said.

For reference, PSG represent perhaps the most tactical team on the planet under Enrique. The European champions constantly move and switch positions, keeping their opponents guessing.

While the comment was clearly not intended as a dig towards the Premier League or Andoni Iraola, it has drawn criticism.

"I didn't like his interview where he said the French league is more tactical than the Premier League," former striker Deeney told talkSPORT on Monday.

"I was like, 'steady on fella you haven't been here long enough to be talking like that. You're also not playing well enough.' I know he scored against LASK but, according to my friend Sam Matterface, they've got a bakery in their stadium so that shows how much of a footballing club they are.

"I'm a massive fan of his but I think he's talking a little bit too early and he's getting a little bit above his station."

Bradley Barcola proving Deeney wrong

As much as Deeney can criticise Barcola, the stats prove that the winger is becoming a real threat for Liverpool.

Though he missed a chances on Saturday, the 24-year-old worked for the positions he found himself in and took 13 touches in the opposition box - more than anybody else.

Barcola took four shots, got an assist and completed three of his six attempted dribbles.

He also made several defensive contributions, including six recoveries - the joint-most of any outfield player on the pitch.

There is still some way to go for Barcola to start proving that he was worth the money, but Deeney's comments are unwarranted and simply not true.