Liverpool Player Ratings vs Barnsley: Reds Cruise Through Without Hitting Top Gear
Liverpool did enough rather than dazzled as they booked their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
The performance may not have lived up to expectations, but Liverpool comfortably moved on after a 4–1 win over League One side Barnsley in Monday night’s third-round tie.
Dominik Szoboszlai gave the Reds an early lead with a superb long-range strike. Jeremie Frimpong then doubled the advantage, although Barnsley were handed a lifeline when Szoboszlai made a costly mistake that Adam Phillips punished just before the interval.
After half-time, Arne Slot’s side remained in control despite a lack of sparkle. The contest was put beyond doubt when Florian Wirtz produced a moment of brilliance late on, before Hugo Ekitike added a fourth during stoppage time to complete a comfortable victory at Anfield.
While the scoreline looked emphatic, Liverpool were far from dominant throughout. Still, the result is what mattered, and the holders now progress to face Brighton & Hove Albion in the next round.
Player Ratings
Goalkeeper
Giorgi Mamardashvili — 6.6
Made a handful of important stops to preserve Liverpool’s lead but looked uncertain with the ball at his feet. He could do nothing to prevent Barnsley’s goal following Szoboszlai’s error.
Right-back
Jeremie Frimpong — 7.6
A constant attacking threat who completed nearly all of his passes and scored an excellent goal. Defensively, however, he was exposed at times, with Barnsley finding joy down his flank.
Centre-back
Joe Gomez — 6.8
Looked uncomfortable under pressure and played a few risky passes that could easily have led to trouble in dangerous areas.
Centre-back
Virgil van Dijk — 7.6
Had little to do for long spells but was occasionally caught out by Keillor-Dunn. Grew into the game and marshalled the back line better after the break.
Left-back
Andrew Robertson — 7.4
Solid defensively but a little sloppy in possession, giving the ball away cheaply on a few occasions.
Central midfield
Alexis Mac Allister — 8.8
Outstanding in midfield, calmly beating the press and dictating play with quick, intelligent passing. His two assists were the highlight of a very strong display.
Central midfield
Dominik Szoboszlai — 9.2
Scored a sensational opener and, aside from a costly mistake that led to Barnsley’s goal, was Liverpool’s most influential player throughout.
Right wing
Federico Chiesa — 6.5
A quiet outing in which he struggled to beat his man and often recycled possession rather than driving forward.
Attacking midfield
Curtis Jones — 8.0
Operated higher up the pitch and created several promising chances that went unfinished. Energetic and reliable all evening.
Left wing
Rio Ngumoha — 7.3
Showed confidence and intent whenever he had the ball, frequently running at defenders. Lacked a bit of polish and was forced off with a knock.
Striker
Cody Gakpo — 7.6
Found it difficult to impose himself, with Barnsley defenders reading his movements well and limiting his effectiveness.
Substitutes
Ibrahima Konaté (for Gomez, 60’) — 6.6
Steady after coming on but not heavily involved.
Florian Wirtz (for Frimpong, 60’) — 8.2
Brought energy and quality, capped by a superb goal that settled the contest.
Hugo Ekitike (for Chiesa, 60’) — 8.2
Made a strong impact off the bench and rounded off the scoring late on.
Ryan Gravenberch (for Ngumoha, 73’) — not rated
Trey Niony (for Mac Allister, 88’) — not rated
Unused substitutes: Alisson, Calvin Ramsay, Milos Kerkez, Wataru Endo.
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