Liverpool 4 – 1 Barnsley – FA Cup 3rd Round Player Ratings
The Premier League took a back seat to allow the FA Cup to welcome the more illustrious side to the fabled third round. Liverpool had found consistency, as this was the last chance for domestic silverware in 2026.
The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.
Giorgi Mamardashvili – 7.0
The giant Georgian stopper was perfect in the first half with some superb saves and was let down for the goal.
After the restart, the Reds’ backup keeper was able to show his best form to keep the half goalless.
Jeremie Frimpong – 8.0
The Scotland fullback was superb with his thunderous goal in the first half, as he enjoyed the attacking full-back role.
In the second half, the lightning wide-man was withdrawn for the weekend ahead.
Subbed – 59 mins
Andy Robertson – 7.0
The Scotland international was solid and vocal as he enjoyed his recall to the first team
After the intermission, the veteran full-back was able to cover ground and control much of his flank.
Joe Gomez – 6.0
The England international defender was a little rusty early on as he lost his marker before a header smashed against the post.
In the second period, the former Charlton man was alert and steady before leaving the field.
Subbed – 59 mins
Virgil van Dijk – 7.0
The captain and leader of this team were strong and authoritative against a spirited away team.
After the intermission, the former Celtic giant was unlucky not to increase his side’s lead with an excellent effort which was tipped over the bar.
Curtis Jones – 8.0
The England international was able to offer a good basis of defensive structure on progression in a standard first-half showing.
When the match resumed, the former academy graduate was steady and reliable, something that is do often lacking.
Man of the match
Alexis Mac Allister – 7.0
The Argentine midfielder was spirited in his work as he offered good control in moving the ball from back to front.
After the half-time break, the former Brighton star was again solid and able to control the tempo.
Subbed – 88 mins
Dominik Szoboszlai – 7.0
The Hungarian international was superb with the opening goal as he thundered a long-distance strike beyond a beleaguered keeper. The Barnsley goal was all the fault of the former Liverpool skipper as he failed to bal heel a ball effectively, which ended in an embarrassing open goal.
After the break, the former RB Leipzig man was alert and energetic.
Federico Chiesa – 6.0
The Italian attacker was keen to show versatility and movement in this rare starting role.
In the second half, the former Juve man was a little subdued before leaving the field.
Subbed – 59 mins
Rio Ngumoha – 7.0
The wonder kid attacker was keen to run his marker and offer width on the far left-hand side.
After the break, the Chelsea forward was eager and lively on the ball.
Subbed – 73 mins
Cody Gakpo – 6.0
The Dutch attacker was the central piece who was able to offer the false nine dependability needed.
After the intermission, the former PSV star was able to drift wider and offer a different option.
Substitutions;
Florian Wirtz – 8.0 (on 59)
Came on to score a superb curling effort.
Hugo Ekitike – 7.0 (on 59)
Came on to stretch the defence and score a last-gasp goal.
Ibrahima Konate – 6.0 (on 59)
Came on to
Ryan Gravenberch – 6.0 (on 73)
Came on to offer energy.
Trey Nyoni – 6.0 (on 88)
Came on.
The Manager;
Arne Slot – 7.0
Was very secure in his strong starting line-up as he looked to secure progression into the next round of the competition
The substitutions were pre-planned and geared to enable freshness in the group.
Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction;
Liverpool 3 – 2 Barnsley
