‘Exceptional’ Liverpool star may be about to start his final game for the club vs Barnsley - opinion
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Rousing the Kop or go back to LFC Live.
Arne Slot may be set to hand an emotional final Liverpool start to an “exceptional” senior player in the FA Cup tie against Barnsley, with growing signs the long-serving star is approaching the end of his Anfield career. The article argues that this fixture offers a natural moment for a farewell appearance, especially with Slot expected to rotate heavily and rest key names ahead of a demanding schedule.
The player in question is portrayed as a model professional whose influence has extended far beyond the pitch. Once a key figure in Liverpool’s most successful recent era, his role has shrunk under Slot as new signings and emerging youngsters have moved ahead of him in the pecking order. The piece suggests that, while he can still offer quality in isolated games, the long‑term direction of the squad now lies with a younger core more suited to Slot’s intense, dynamic style.
With the club unlikely to trigger a further contract extension, or with interest building from elsewhere, this Barnsley tie is framed as a potential last Anfield outing in front of the home support. The author stresses that this is not a case of a player being pushed out, but rather a pragmatic, mutually understood transition at the right time for both parties.
The article also reflects on the player’s legacy. He is credited with embodying Liverpool’s standards during a transformative period, offering leadership, consistency and big‑game performances when it mattered most. Supporters are urged to savour what could be a final competitive start, to recognise his years of service and to understand that moving on is part of keeping the team at the elite level.
Ultimately, the Barnsley game is cast as both a routine early‑round FA Cup assignment and a quietly significant moment: one last chance for an exceptional servant to pull on the shirt from the first whistle before an almost inevitable summer departure.