'You still haven't seen the best version of me' at Liverpool, insists Barcola

Bradley Barcola insists he has not yet hit his best level at Liverpool, though he is confident that will come as he continues to adapt to the team.

Barcola joined Liverpool from Paris Saint-Germain for a reported £123m in another big-money signing for the Reds this summer.

He has made a slow start to life at Anfield, creating some concern that he could take a while to settle in, following in the footsteps of Alexander Isak – who is beginning to hit his stride this season – and Florian Wirtz, both of whom joined last year.

Barcola has made 12 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions, failing to get a goal involvement in each of his first six.

However, there have been promising signs in recent weeks: following a hat-trick against LASK in the Champions League, Barcola then got assists in back-to-back Premier League games.

The Frenchman is confident that spending more time with his new team-mates will help him to unlock his best level.

"No, I don't think I'm at my best yet," Barcola told Sky Sports. "You still haven't seen the best version of me.

"On top of that, we're working with my team-mates, so that they can make the most of my strengths.

"So yes, I think once we really develop that understanding, things will get much better. And I think things are improving all the time.

"People are beginning to understand my style of play much better. I think it's going much better."

Barcola was also brought to Merseyside in the wake of Mohamed Salah's exit, with some assuming he would act as a replacement for the Egyptian – who left as the club’s all-time Premier League goalscorer (191) and assister (93).

"First of all, I wasn't the one who decided the transfer fee," he added. "So that's not been my problem.

"And regarding Mo Salah, he's a legend here. A huge one. He's done big things here, and for that I have an enormous respect for him. But it's not pressure for me at all.

"I'm not Mohamed Salah, so I'm going to try to contribute whatever I can to the club and make my own mark on its history. I don't feel any pressure about that."

Barcola left PSG after making 152 appearances in all competitions – netting 39 goals in that time – and having enjoyed a trophy-laden spell.

He won three Ligue 1 titles, two Champions Leagues, two Super Cups, and the Coupe de France twice.

"For me, it was the right time to leave PSG," he said. "I spent so many great years there, and I won an enormous amount of trophies. But it was time.

"It was quite difficult because, over there, it was a real family. We'd built something very special together. On top of that, it was very difficult to leave and say goodbye to my team-mates. But ultimately, that's just how football is.

"When a club like Liverpool comes calling, it's a great thing. I didn't have any doubts, and I just knew I had to come here. I'm happy to be here, and I hope things go well for PSG."