'What we needed': Arne Slot hails impact of Liverpool player who 'brought something' extra during Barnsley win

Liverpool FC manager Arne Slot praised a key player's standout performance in their hard-fought 4-1 FA Cup third-round victory over Barnsley at Anfield on January 12, 2026, highlighting how the individual "brought something extra" that proved decisive.[1][4]

The match, part of Liverpool's bid to reset momentum after a goalless draw with Arsenal, saw the Reds advance despite a nervy display against the League One side. Slot, in his pre-match programme notes, emphasized the FA Cup's importance as a "reset point," stressing respect for Barnsley's progressive style under their young manager.[1] He reflected on last season's early exit, vowing lessons learned from tough encounters with lower-league teams.

Dominik Szoboszlai emerged as the hero and villain, scoring a sumptuous strike to put Liverpool 2-0 up just before halftime, only to gift Barnsley a goal with a reckless backheel inside his own six-yard box. The error allowed former Reds academy player Adam Phillips to score, pulling one back and shifting momentum.[4][5] Barnsley, 17th in the third tier, pushed hard, with keeper Cooper denying Virgil van Dijk's volley.

Liverpool regained control late on, with substitute Florian Wirtz curling home in the 84th minute and Hugo Ekitike sealing it in added time. Slot hailed Szoboszlai's overall impact post-match, saying, "What we needed," crediting him for bringing "something extra" amid the chaos—his stunning goal and midfield dominance outweighed the blunder, earning top player ratings alongside another midfielder.[3][5]

Rotation featured five starters from the Arsenal draw, but the game tested mentality. Slot took no risks, avoiding last season's Plymouth upset. The win sets a home tie with Brighton, as whispers of Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid exit add subtle pressure.[4] Fans left to ironic "Manic Monday" tunes, relieved yet reminded: cup shocks lurk.[1][4]

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