Bradley Barcola endured a mixed first start for Liverpool in Wednesday’s 2-1 Champions League victory over Atlético Madrid, showing enough pace and movement to trouble the visitors but failing to convert several promising chances.

The £123 million signing from Paris Saint-Germain started on the right wing after making his competitive debut as a substitute in Liverpool’s 2-0 Premier League win over Ipswich Town. He repeatedly ran in behind Atlético’s defence and created openings, but dragged one one-on-one effort wide before seeing another shot saved by Jan Oblak.

Barcola was substituted after approximately an hour because of cramp. Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola later said the problem was not a serious injury, and the winger was expected to be available for Saturday’s home match against Fulham.

Former Liverpool midfielder Tim Sherwood criticised Barcola’s finishing while acknowledging the threat created by his movement. “He looked a threat, but he had a few opportunities bearing down on Oblak and he just couldn’t find the finish,” Sherwood said. “He’s not a fantastic finisher, I have to say that.”

The criticism focused on one aspect of an otherwise encouraging debut. Barcola’s pace gave Liverpool a direct outlet, forced Atlético’s defence to retreat and helped create space for teammates. His lack of composure in front of goal was costly on the night, but the chances he reached suggest that Iraola’s system can put him in dangerous positions.

Liverpool still completed a significant comeback. Marcos Llorente opened the scoring, Dominik Szoboszlai equalised before half-time and Alexis Mac Allister scored the winner shortly after the break.

Barcola’s next challenge is to convert the opportunities his movement creates. If Liverpool can improve his finishing while preserving his direct running, the French winger could become one of the most dangerous components of Iraola’s revamped attack.