FlashFocus: No longer the star at PSG, Bradley Barcola excels in a supporting role

At the beginning of 2025, Bradley Barcola (22) has emerged as a pivotal figure for Paris Saint-Germain under Luis Enrique in 2024, although he appears to have passed the torch of attacking leadership to Ousmane Dembele. This transition could be beneficial for both players.

By the winter break, Barcola had netted ten goals and recorded two assists across 16 Ligue 1 outings, earning recognition as PSG’s standout performer in the league. He was crowned player of the month in September but faced challenges in the Champions League, where his contributions fell short.

However, it’s important to note that Luis Enrique’s squad as a whole struggled to score in the initial six matches of the league phase. Barcola was not singled out for criticism, particularly as he was instrumental for the team during that challenging stretch.

Dembele has since stepped into the spotlight, allowing Barcola to thrive in a different capacity.

In a press conference before the match against Brest, Luis Enrique remarked, “I strive to keep the external noise at bay. Naturally, my ambition drives me. At the start of the season, the hype around Barcola was immense. I’m working to keep expectations in check.”

The 22-year-old winger has evidently crossed a significant threshold in his development, and it’s clear that PSG can place their faith in Barcola for the foreseeable future.

To understand his rise, it’s essential to revisit his beginnings at Olympique Lyonnais, where the foundation for his talent was laid.

A Talent Uncovered Early

Barcola began his journey at the training centre of Lyon at just eight years old in 2010, completing his education just a stone’s throw from home. This nurturing environment enabled him to flourish, culminating in his professional debut in November 2021 against Sparta Prague where he registered an assist for Karl Toko-Ekambi in stoppage time.

A few months later, Barcola joined Paris Saint-Germain amidst great expectations as a dynamic player poised to inject energy into the squad. The 2023-2024 season solidified his reputation as one of the most exciting young talents in France.

Marked by his exceptional dribbling, speed, and emerging mental resilience, Barcola has made impressive strides, particularly in offensive play. Moreover, he has showcased tactical acumen under Luis Enrique’s guidance over the past few months. His dedication and commendable character have not gone unnoticed by those within the club.

With Kylian Mbappe’s departure, Barcola naturally assumed the role of attacking leader on the left flank last summer. Despite the presence of Dembele, Goncalo Ramos, Randal Kolo Muani, and Marco Asensio—who have all since departed for Juventus and Aston Villa respectively—Barcola effectively oriented PSG towards success in Ligue 1 with his impressive finishing that showcased his capacity to drive the team to victory.

While not everything has unfolded perfectly, his development trajectory has been consistent, and despite being in the shadows of Dembele, Barcola continues to rise.

A Fresh Role for 2025

Team spirit in the dressing room has remained high since his arrival, and with Dembele now in a prominent role, it’s intriguing to observe the dynamics at PSG, where positivity has been apparent since the beginning of the winter break.

On the field, Barcola seems to have elevated his effectiveness. While it’s not solely attributed to him—Luis Enrique’s side has been in fine form—his statistics are undeniably impressive.

In the last dozen matches across all competitions, Barcola has found the net five times while providing six assists, creating a fantastic goal contribution ratio.

Moreover, analysing these contributions reveals that his goals have significantly impacted his team’s success. For instance, in the Coupe de France, he netted a goal to restore PSG’s lead against Espaly, while in the Champions League, an equaliser against Manchester City on the hour mark ignited hope for victory, followed by an early goal against Stuttgart that set the tone for the match.

Importantly, Barcola has exhibited a knack for setting up his teammates. This evolving role highlights his potential to pivot towards more playmaking responsibilities as the season progresses.

While Dembele has taken his game up a notch, he relies on teammates to create optimal scoring opportunities, a facet in which Barcola excels.

Although the mechanics behind Barcola’s transition to a more creative role are yet to be fully understood, reports indicate that Luis Enrique’s players have developed a strong camaraderie, which is becoming evident on the pitch. With Dembele leading the charge and Barcola supported by new signings Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue, PSG appears to have hit upon an effective attacking balance, reminiscent of their historically potent form.

Nevertheless, the real challenge lies ahead. Can the team sustain this level of performance? In a recent press conference, Luis Enrique refrained from making predictions regarding the consistency of PSG’s current displays.

Individually, Barcola will undoubtedly have opportunities to leave his mark on the field in upcoming matches, especially given the intense schedule looming ahead.

In the Champions League, Barcola is set to face Liverpool, providing a formidable test. Following that, a visit to Lyon awaits—a venue where he failed to score last season but is now poised to make an impact.