Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola rejected suggestions summer signing Bradley Barcola was struggling for form after the forward was criticised for his France performances.
The 24-year-old received some brutal reviews after Monday's 4-1 Nations League win over Belgium but a contribution of one chance created and just two shots was not well received by the French media, who took issue with his lack of end product.
With his two senior forwards Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo both absent with injury for Sunday's high-profile visit of Manchester City, Iraola needs Barcola to find the kind of display he regularly put in for Paris St Germain and so he was understandably keen to boost the winger's confidence.
"I don't think he's in a bad moment - the problem with wingers or strikers is if they don't score a goal, 'they haven't played well'," he said.
"We have to see the games, we have to watch. I said it the first game against Atletico Madrid, he missed two or three quite clear chances. I don't care. Honestly. I care but I want him to see (it's) there.
"With the national team, I have seen he has had a couple of good situations to score; he hasn't scored, but I want him to be there."
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Barcola could be pressed into action as a centre-forward, which is an unfamiliar role for him but one Iraola believes he can perform.
"He is a top player for us. I think he can play in any position up front," he added.
"He probably has played more as a left winger but has played a little bit as a striker, has played even more as a right winger. I think he can cover the three positions up front.
"He's a super valuable player for us."

