Ross Barkley named top 'FLOP' and receives brutal 3/10 rating on his first start for Nice

Ross Barkley had a game to forget as he was labelled the top 'flop' of Nice's match against Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday.

The 28-year-old made his first start for his new club since his shock free transfer following his Chelsea release.

But he failed to get going and was named the top 'flop' by French outlet L'Equipe.

Image: Alamy

Barkley also received a brutal rating of 3/10 - the lowest of any player.

They wrote: "Starting for the first time, the Englishman never managed to be useful and his most remarkable moment was the loss of the ball which allowed Messi to force Dante into a foul that brought the first goal.

"Replaced by Pepe, without influence."

The English midfielder has played three games for Nice this season.

He's barely featured since the 2020/21 campaign, where he enjoyed a loan spell at Aston Villa.

Image: L'Equipe

Kasper Schmeichel was also heavily criticised as he received a 4/10 rating.

On his showing between the sticks, L'Equipe wrote: "He remained frozen on the free kick from Messi, but it was difficult to do something.

"He slammed the Argentine's shot, sprang past Nuno Mendes but was still powerless against Mbappe and this time it was possible to do better."

PSG beat Nice 2-1 to secure three league points.

Lionel Messi opened the scoring with a stunning free-kick. Gaetan Laborde levelled proceedings just after the break.

But Kylian Mbappe restored his side's lead and grabbed the match winner in the 83rd minute.