The 2023-24 UEFA Champions League knockout stage was the first major tournament experience for Bradley Barcola. Despite the Frenchman being 21 years old, the winger showed that he can perform when the lights are the brightest.
During the knockout stage, the Parisians eliminated Real Sociedad and FC Barcelona before falling to Borussia Dortmund in the semifinals. Despite the disappointing exit, Barcola joined an impressive category of players.
WhoScored.com published a stat highlighting the best dribble success rates in the Champions League knockout stage this season. The former Olympique de Lyonnais standout finished with the fourth-best dribble success rate (52.2 percent).
Barcola is ahead of some recognizable players like Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior (50 percent) and Jérémy Doku (50 percent). This knockout stage was a good learning experience for the winger, as PSG are counting on him to help replace Kylian Mbappé’s production.
Best dribble success rates in the #UCL knockout stages this season (15+ attempted):
◉ 75% – Leroy Sané
◉ 66.6% – Jamal Musiala
◎ 65% – João Cancelo
◎ 52.2% – Bradley Barcola
◎ 50% – Vinícius Júnior
◎ 50% – Jadon Sancho
◎ 50% – Jérémy Doku#RMAFCB pic.twitter.com/4NwX695HLC— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) May 8, 2024
It will be interesting to see if Barcola is ready to fill these major shoes, but the potential is there.
