Players that impressed in the FA Cup fourth round

• The FA Cup fourth round produced some iconic cup ties after a fantastic weekend of action.
• Here are the players that stood out throughout the weekend.

The FA Cup fourth round produced some iconic cup ties after a fantastic weekend of action.

Here are the players that stood out throughout the FA Cup weekend.

Conor Bradley – Liverpool

The Reds right-back, who is flourishing in the senior squad, had a great performance. In recent weeks, injuries have given Bradley an opportunity, and the 20-year-old has seized it, demonstrating that he can be a solid alternative for both Jurgen Klopp and his eventual successor.

In the 5-2 victory over Norwich, Bradley showed great effort down the wing and created two opportunities. First, he regained control to assist Darwin Nunez, and then he volleyed a ball across goal for Ryan Gravenberch to tap in late. His recent rise to prominence has been beneficial.

Nathan Ake – Manchester City

Nathan Ake. Photo/beIN SPORTS

The holders of Manchester City eventually overcame their curse at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, moving on to the fifth round in North London. The game-winning goal by Nathan Ake, the team’s first in six efforts to score at the stadium, gave City the victory they so well deserved.

The Dutch defender put on a superb display, highlighted by his scrambling winner after Guglielmo Vicario failed to claim Kevin De Bruyne’s corner. The defender also showed bravery (or madness?) by throwing his head at Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s foot to intercept a loose ball.

Sam Corne – Maidstone United

Before delivering once more in The Stones’ triumph over Ipswich, Sam Corne scored in the team’s upset victories over Barrow and Stevenage in the second and third rounds. At Portman Road, the midfield player dashed forward during a counterattack to score Maidstone’s winner. He finished calmly to extend his incredible run in the tournament this year.

By riding their luck and being rescued by the woodwork three times, Maidstone managed to secure a historic victory. Despite only having two shots on goal, they won 2-1 thanks to Corne’s game-winning breakaway moment.

Joao Pedro – Brighton

Joao Pedro. Photo/Sky Sports

Last summer, Brighton shattered their transfer record when they signed Joao Pedro, and some were surprised by the £30 million price considering the Seagulls’ penchant for finding great deals.

Pedro has already shown himself to be a steal for Brighton at that price and is certain to make a substantial profit should he go on. In the team’s 5-2 victory over Sheffield United, the Brazilian netted his first hat-trick in English football, bringing his season total of goals scored in all competitions to 18.

As the 22-year-old tortured Sheffield United with confident, forward-thinking play, his goals are only one aspect of his game. He is currently among the top penalty-takers in Europe, having converted two more at Bramall Lane.

Lamar Reynolds – Maidstone United

Lamar Reynolds scored an incredible first goal in Maidstone’s unexpected victory over Ipswich, cementing his place in FA Cup history. The winger startled the Championship promotion contenders on the counterattack with a spectacular finish over Christian Walton for George Elokobi’s team.

Reynolds, who joined The Stones from Braintree Town in the summer, had not scored since then, but he seized his opportunity at Portman Road with incredible assurance. At Gallagher Stadium, it was a magical moment during a cup run that will never be forgotten. Round five will include either Coventry or Sheffield Wednesday.

David Brooks – Bournemouth

David Brooks masterclass fired Bournemouth into the FA Cup fifth round. Photo/ The FA

On Thursday night, Bournemouth easily advanced to the fifth round by thrashing Swansea City. A brutal first-half display set the tone for the 5-0 thumping. For the Cherries, David Brooks was in fine form, which was encouraging considering his off-field struggles, including his October 2021 diagnosis of Stage 2 Hodgkin cancer.

After just two Premier League starts this season, Brooks sent a message to boss Andoni Iraola by setting up the first two goals and scoring with a cool finish of his own. The 26-year-old, who missed 536 days of Premier League games while he recovered from his cancer diagnosis, expressed his wish for greater playing time at full-time.

A much-needed return to form for Brooks, and something to consider going ahead for Iraola.