Liverpool’s next challenge is a return to Premier League action, during which Arne Slot should make a bold call.
The Barnsley game was convincing in terms of the result, but maybe less so with regards to the performance.
It was 2-1 up until the last ten or so minutes, when Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike took over.
mail iconJoin our newsletter for news & smart analysis.
How high is Hugo Ekitike’s ceiling with Liverpool?
He was a joy to watch against Barnsley
Hugo Ekitike taps the Liverpool badge in celebration after scoring during the FA Cup match against Barnsley at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
A nervy Liverpool display, but one that could have been much less so if not for the actions of one player. And it’s that culprit who should be relegated to a less preferred position at the weekend.
Dominik Szoboszlai should start at right-back for Liverpool vs Burnley
We don’t need to go into detail about the incident that has been rehashed time and again since Monday night’s clash.
Dominik Szoboszlai received plenty of criticism after gifting Barnsley their only goal of the night.
The Hungarian has been Liverpool’s best player this season, but a moment of madness left everyone inside Anfield and watching from afar absolutely baffled.
Adam Phillips celebrates after scoring for Barnsley during the FA Cup tie with Liverpool at Anfield
Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
Slot himself was visibly livid, and for good reason. Rather than benching Szoboszlai for his misdemeanour, he can kill a few different birds with the one stone by starting him in the back line.
Liverpool need all the right-back cover they can get after Conor Bradley’s season-ending injury, and Szoboszlai has shown he can play there comfortably — he did so in the latter stages of the FA Cup tie.
It’s harsh to say he should be punished for the Barnsley incident, but there is also a need for accountability in elite teams. Instead of keeping him out altogether, starting Szoboszlai at right-back will send a message that while he has been the main man in midfield, that kind of absent-mindedness won’t be tolerated.
Who was the best striker of the ball, Szoboszlai, Riise or Gerrard?
They've all scored from outside the box for Liverpool in the PL, CL, FA and EFL Cup
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
It also would allow for Curtis Jones and Alexis Mac Allister to keep their places after some solid outings in recent weeks. And finally, it would give Jeremie Frimpong the chance to continue his red-hot attacking form further up the pitch.
It’s not like Szoboszlai would be too put out, but he would think twice about it. He’s a player who seemingly doesn’t experience fatigue, so benching him is a waste.
Starting him at right-back in this next Premier League clash sends a simple but effective message.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox