Barcola sets Premier League pace record as Liverpool claim first win

04.09.26 FT English Premier League

Ipswich

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Liverpool

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French sensation Bradley Barcola wasted no time making an indelible mark on English football, setting a new Premier League top speed record during his debut in Liverpool FC's 2-0 away victory against Ipswich Town on Friday evening.

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A decisive first impression

After opening their campaign with back-to-back 2-2 draws, Liverpool finally claimed their first league victory of the season at Portman Road.

Barcola who completed his blockbuster move from Paris Saint Germain in a deal that could reach £123 million (£107 million upfront), entered the pitch as a second-half substitute for the final 30 minutes and immediately electrified the traveling support.

The 23 year old winger proved unplayable in transition, initiating a blistering counter-attack where he outpaced the opposition backline before teeing up Cody Gakpo, whose strike flew inches over the crossbar.

Setting the Premier League speed benchmark

Tracking data from the match confirmed that Barcola recorded a peak speed of 35.9 km/h, officially the fastest sprint logged across the entire Premier League so far this season. The French international immediately jumped straight to the top of the division's speed leaderboards:

Premier League 2026/27 Top Speed Leaders:

Barcola’s blistering pace adds a lethal direct dimension to Liverpool's frontline. In matches where opponents push up the pitch to disrupt Liverpool’s build-up having an outlet capable of reaching 35.9 km/h completely breaks tactical defensive structures.

Hitting this physical peak in just a 30-minute cameo demonstrates that he has arrived in peak physical condition despite the whirlwind nature of his deadline-day move.

Once his attacking chemistry with Gakpo and the central midfield solidifies, Liverpool’s transitional counter attack will be among the most terrifying in Europe.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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