Wigan Athletic player ratings: Paul Kendrick's verdict from the Carabao Cup trip to Barnsley - 'a stand-out effort'

By Paul Kendrick

Published 9th Aug 2026, 14:17 GMT

Paul Kendrick runs the rule over the Wigan Athletic side that bowed out of the Carabao Cup at the first hurdle at Barnsley and delivers his report card.

Scores on the doors!

Will have a key role to play at both ends of the field, and another to make an encouraging debut Photo: Bernard Platt

It's like he's never been away, central role throughout, though didn't make the most of every set-piece opportunity Photo: Bernard Platt

Solid showing and ought to have been credited with the match-winning assist in stoppage-time, but for an incorrect offside flag Photo: Bernard Platt

On the plus side, repeatedly got himself into wonderful goalscoring positions...on the down side, his finishing let him down Photo: Bernard Platt

News you can trust since 1853