Liverpool player ratings vs Barnsley as 5/10 duo disappoint after Szoboszlai stinker
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Liverpool Player Ratings vs Barnsley
Liverpool advanced to the FA Cup fourth round with a 4-1 victory over third-tier Barnsley at Anfield on January 12, 2026. Despite a dominant performance, the Reds endured a nervy moment before halftime thanks to Dominik Szoboszlai's stunning opener and catastrophic error, while Alexis Mac Allister starred with two assists[1][2][3].
Match Summary
Liverpool took control early as Szoboszlai rifled in a beautiful first-half goal to open the scoring. Jeremie Frimpong doubled the lead with a powerful strike inside the box, exploiting his attacking prowess despite defensive lapses[2][3][4]. Disaster struck just before the break when Szoboszlai's arrogant backheel attempt gifted former Liverpool academy product Adam Phillips an easy tap-in, making it 2-1[1][4][5].
The second half saw Arne Slot's strong side seal progression. Substitutes Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike impressed after entering at the hour mark, contributing to further goals as Liverpool cruised to victory. Mac Allister orchestrated play with ingenious passes, earning Man of the Match honors across outlets[2][3]. Slot rated highly (8/10) for his lineup and impact subs[3].
Key Player Ratings
| Player | Position | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Giorgi Mamardashvili | GK | 6-6.6/10[2][3][5] | Solid saves but erratic distribution; helpless on Barnsley's goal. |
| Dominik Szoboszlai | CM | 5-9.2/10[1][2][3] | Hero to villain: Stunner to score, backheel blunder for Barnsley's goal; still shone overall. |
| Alexis Mac Allister | CM | 8.8-9/10[2][3] | Masterclass: Two assists, escaped press masterfully; Man of the Match. |
| Jeremie Frimpong | RB | 7-8/10[2][3][5] | Superb goal and forward play; defensive frailties exposed. |
| Joe Gomez | CB | 5-6.8/10[2][3][5] | Shaky under pressure; yellow card, lucky escapes. |
| Virgil van Dijk | CB | 6-7.6/10[2][3][5] | Quiet but improved; loose marking early. |
| Andrew Robertson | LB | 6-7.4/10[2][3][5] | Solid defending; careless passes. |
| Federico Chiesa (subbed 60') | Attack | 5-6/10[3][4] | Solid but underwhelming. |
| Cody Gakpo | Attack | 6/10[3][4] | Quiet centrally; better on left. |
Standouts like Mac Allister and Frimpong boosted confidence, but Szoboszlai (5/10 duo with Gomez) and others disappointed amid the Szoboszlai stinker. Liverpool never fully clicked but progressed comfortably[1][2][5].
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