**Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has been criticised by former manager Roddy Collins after his shocking error against Barsnley earlier this week.**
The Hungarian had a moment to forget in Monday’s 4-1 win at Anfield in the FA Cup third round, absolutely gifting the visitors a way back into the game before half-time.
Szoboszlai had opened the scoring with a stunning long-range effort, but his inexplicable decision to try and back-heel the ball to Giorgi Mamardashvili in front of the Kop soon after was a shocker.
Speaking to [_Empire of the Kop_](https://www.empireofthekop.com/2026/01/14/dominik-szoboszlai-roddy-collins/) at The Football Historian Podcast studio, via _Empire of the Kop_’s Substack, ex-Carlisle United manager Collins didn’t hold back in his criticism of Liverpool’s No.8:
_“Disgusting. Really, very disappointed. I don’t know if he’d have done it if Klopp was there – and I’m not making comparisons with Slot – but I don’t think he’d have accepted that._
_“I thought it was totally disrespectful and very arrogant._
_“He did something similar for Hungary against Ireland in a play-off game. He made a gesture towards someone in the dugout – it showed his arrogance and mentality. For me, I don’t care how talented you are, it’s not a Liverpool trait.”_
**No need to go overboard about Szoboszlai’s error**
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It goes without saying that Szoboszlai deserves criticism for a terrible moment, with a lack of focus on show with Liverpool cruising in the game.
That said, he is only human and all footballers make mistakes, so going overboard about one bad individual mistake feels uncalled for from Collins.
That especially applies to Szoboszlai, considering he has been Liverpool’s best player this season, excelling in all facets of his games while around him have struggled for top form.
He will learn from the error against Barnsley, which was out of character, and it shouldn’t alter the perception of him as a fantastic team player who is always doing his best for the cause.
Szoboszlai will no doubt be out to provide a response when Liverpool host Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, but he shouldn’t be too concerned about his reputation among the fanbase, as he continues to grow in a Reds shirt.