Dominik Szoboszlai's performance in Liverpool's FA Cup third-round match against Barnsley on Monday was a night of contrasting fortunes, showcasing both his brilliance and his fallibility. Liverpool secured a 4-1 victory over the League One side to advance to the fourth round, but Szoboszlai's contributions were a mixed bag.
The Hungarian midfielder opened the scoring in the 8th minute with a stunning strike from nearly 30 yards out, silencing the Barnsley fans and settling any early nerves at Anfield. The sheer power and accuracy of the shot left the goalkeeper with no chance, highlighting Szoboszlai's renowned ability to score from distance. However, his moment of brilliance was later overshadowed by a costly error.
With Liverpool leading 2-0, thanks to Jeremie Frimpong's fierce strike inside the box in the 36th minute, Szoboszlai gifted Barnsley a way back into the game just before halftime. In an attempt to clear the ball with a backheel inside his own six-yard box, the midfielder misjudged the pass, allowing former Liverpool academy player Adam Phillips to tap the ball into an empty net. The calamitous mistake not only narrowed the scoreline but also put Liverpool under unnecessary pressure.
Szoboszlai himself acknowledged the error, apologizing to his teammates and admitting that he "made it hard" for the team with an "easy mistake". He was also fortunate not to concede a penalty early in the second half, further compounding his earlier error. Despite these blunders, Liverpool managed to maintain their lead and eventually secured the victory with goals from substitutes Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike.
Beyond the glaring error, Szoboszlai's overall performance was a mixed bag. He made some important clearances at the back, showcasing his willingness to contribute defensively. However, his manager, Arne Slot, has previously challenged him to increase his goal and assist output. In the Premier League 2025/2026 season, Szoboszlai has one assist in 19 matches. In the 2023/24 season, he contributed three goals and two assists in 33 Premier League appearances.
Despite the errors, Szoboszlai's stunning opening goal and defensive contributions earned him a 7/10 rating. His ability to combine moments of sublime skill with moments of inexplicable error underscores the complexities of his game. As he continues to develop and integrate further into the Liverpool squad, consistency will be key to unlocking his full potential.
Liverpool's 4-1 victory ensures their progression to the FA Cup fourth round, where they will face Premier League rivals Brighton & Hove Albion. The match against Barnsley served as a reminder of the importance of the entire squad, with contributions from both established players and those seeking to prove their worth.
