Liverpool have been dealt blow after blow in defence this season, and are yet to find the consistent back line that will be used in the biggest matches towards the business end of the campaign.
There was the transfer fumble of last summer involving Mac Guehi, the slow start Milos Kerkez experienced upon arriving at Anfield, and both recognised right-backs struggling with injuries.
Who should be Liverpool’s starting right-back now Jeremie Frimpong is injured?
He could be missing for some time…
Wataru Endo pictured while playing for Liverpool during their Premier League match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (Credit: Getty Images/James Gill - Danehouse).
Curtis Jones in action for Liverpool during their UEFA Champions League match against Inter Milan at San Siro (Credit: Getty Images/Photo Agency).
Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates after scoring for Liverpool during their FA Cup match against Barnsley at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/James Gill – Danehouse/Photo Agency/Liverpool FC
On the right-back question, there hasn’t been a chance to figure out who is the preferred option, with both Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley spending much of the season on the sidelines.
Former Brighton striker Glen Murray has the answer for Arne Slot.
Glen Murray thinks Jeremie Frimpong should be Liverpool’s starting right-back over Conor Bradley
There were some question marks over the acquisition of Frimpong last summer.
His role at Bayer Leverkusen was almost that of a right-winger under Xabi Alonso, but in fairness to the Dutchman, he has looked more than competent defensively in a back four.
As Murray told Premier League Productions: “I think they probably do need to address [their defensive problems] long-term, but they seem to have found a reasonable balance at the moment. And it’s about getting Frimpong in there, isn’t it?
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“I think he’s the one that could dominate down that right-hand side for Liverpool.”
Jeremie Frimpong lies stricken on the Anfield pitch after picking up an injury during Liverpool's UEFA Champions League match against Qarabag
Photo by Ben Roberts – Danehouse/Getty Images
He has looked like a player who can change any game with his electric attacking nature, and Murray reckons it’s him who should be given the nod when everyone’s fit.
With Liverpool not expecting Bradley back until next season at the earliest, Frimpong will have plenty of time to prove this pundit right and stake his claim as starting right-back for Slot.
Arne Slot’s system for Jeremie Frimpong
At the highest level in football, it’s unique tools that give you an edge.
There is no comparable full-back to Frimpong in the Premier League — at least not one who can do what he does offensively to the same level.
So he should be used as such, and that may require some tweaks from the manager. Primarily, making sure there is sufficient cover for Frimpong’s excursions up the right flank.
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Liverpool's 2026/27 predicted XI - GRV Media line-up
Liverpool’s 2026/27 predicted XI – GRV Media line-up
Whether that means playing a third centre-back or just instructing Ryan Gravenberch to slip in behind to cover, Slot needs to be smart with how he maximises the offensive potential without losing too much in defence.
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