Liverpool's Right-Back Curse: A Season of Seven Players and Midfield Disruption
Replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold has proven far more challenging than anticipated for Liverpool, bringing constant instability that repeatedly pulls Dominik Szoboszlai out of his natural midfield position. This ongoing crisis has defined much of the Reds' campaign, highlighting the curse of the seven right-backs.
The Unwanted Parallel: Frimpong's Injury Woes
Jeremie Frimpong, Liverpool's answer to Alexander-Arnold's departure, has mirrored the Englishman's stop-start beginnings at Real Madrid in an unfortunate way. The Netherlands international, set to return against West Ham on Saturday, has suffered three hamstring injuries since joining from Bayer Leverkusen. Manager Arne Slot has pointed to the physicality of the Premier League as a tough adjustment, leaving Liverpool without a specialist right-back for weeks.
For the first time in a month, Liverpool can field an actual right-back, aside from Calvin Ramsay's limited cup appearances. This season has seen seven players deployed in the position, with Ramsay playing the least. It could have been eight had Liverpool succeeded in loaning Lutsharel Geertruida in the winter window.
The Makeshift Seven: A Cursed Position
Of Liverpool's septet, only a few are natural right-backs. Joe Gomez is a centre-back by trade, while Wataru Endo, Curtis Jones, and Dominik Szoboszlai are midfielders. The position has been plagued by injuries: Conor Bradley missed the start of the season and will miss the rest after knee surgery. Endo is sidelined with a foot problem incurred while playing right-back, likely only because Szoboszlai was suspended after a sending-off in that role.
Gomez's appearances have been rationed due to injury fears, having had three spells on the sidelines. Despite limited evidence, Gomez might be Liverpool's best defensive right-back, with three clean sheets in six starts. Frimpong could be the best attacking option, initially used as a winger by Slot before showing dynamism. Bradley may be the best all-rounder, while Szoboszlai is the best footballer overall, though his unfamiliarity with the position causes issues.
Szoboszlai's Midfield Exodus and Slot's Dilemma
The constant instability has repeatedly dragged Szoboszlai, Liverpool's player of the season, from midfield to right-back, a scenario Slot never envisioned last summer. In a recent match against Nottingham Forest, Slot turned the tide by moving Szoboszlai into midfield and swapping Jones to right-back, highlighting the tactical compromises forced by injuries.
Slot acknowledged the difficulties, citing injuries as the primary reason. He expressed faith in Frimpong and Bradley, noting their youth and potential. "We believe, I truly believe, in these two as quality players," Slot said. "They are young and need time to develop. Jeremie is a bit older but comes from a different league so he always needed time to adapt."
The Struggle to Fill Alexander-Arnold's Shoes
Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool as one of the world's best in his unique style. Slot believes Bradley and Frimpong can reach a similar level, albeit with different qualities. "Trent ended at a level at this club – he probably didn't start at that level - that is so high, they are not easy shoes to fill," Slot continued. "But we believe and I still believe in the fact that these two can grow to a similar level."
The biggest struggle has been availability, with both specialists often unavailable. This instability has not only disrupted the right-back position but also repeatedly taken Szoboszlai out of midfield, where he excels. Despite the chaos, Liverpool have seen outstanding displays from makeshift right-backs, such as Jones against Brighton in the FA Cup and Bradley's memorable performance against Real Madrid.
Szoboszlai shone in key matches against Newcastle, Arsenal, and Manchester City, despite his dismissal in the latter. He may welcome Frimpong's return more than most. In November, Slot didn't expect Szoboszlai to play every game as a winger or full-back into February or March. As the month ends, Liverpool finally have a right-back available again, at least for now.
