Liverpool player ratings vs Barnsley as two score 5/10 before substitutes impress
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Liverpool Player Ratings vs Barnsley: Mac Allister Shines in 4-1 FA Cup Win
Liverpool advanced to the FA Cup fourth round with a convincing 4-1 victory over League One side Barnsley at Anfield on January 12, 2026. Dominik Szoboszlai opened the scoring with a stunning long-range strike in the 9th minute, but his bizarre display also gifted Barnsley their consolation goal, earning mixed ratings across sources[1][2][5].
Match Overview
Liverpool lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation: Giorgi Mamardashvili in goal; Jeremie Frimpong, Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, and Andy Robertson in defense; Alexis Mac Allister and Szoboszlai in midfield; Federico Chiesa, Curtis Jones, and Rio Ngumoha behind striker Cody Gakpo. Barnsley deployed a defensive 5-4-1 with Murphy Cooper in goal[3]. Substitutes like Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike made impactful contributions later[1]. Manager Arne Slot earned an 8/10 for his strong starting XI and bold changes[1].
Player Ratings
| Player | Rating (LFC Globe) | Rating (Rousing the Kop) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Giorgi Mamardashvili | 7/10 | 6 | Big first-half saves; helpless on Barnsley's goal[1][2] |
| Joe Gomez | 5/10 | 5 | Quiet game, picked up yellow card[1][2] |
| Virgil van Dijk | 7/10 | 6 | Solid defending, nearly scored[1][2] |
| Dominik Szoboszlai | 5/10 | Low (arrogance cited) | Scored opener but surrendered Barnsley's goal[1][2][5] |
| Alexis Mac Allister (Man of the Match) | 9/10 | N/A | Huge impact with two assists[1] |
| Jeremie Frimpong | 8/10 | 7 | Solid runs, scored a goal[1][2] |
| Others (Chiesa, Jones, Gakpo, Robertson, Ngumoha) | 6-7/10 | 6-7 | Solid but unspectacular performances[1][2] |
Key Insights: Mac Allister dominated midfield, while Frimpong added flair down the wing. Substitutes impressed, helping seal the win despite Barnsley's fightback. Liverpool's quality prevailed in this third-round tie[1][2][5].
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