Dominik Szoboszlai started at right-back for Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest, a decision Jermaine Pennant was not happy with.
Florian Wirtz missed the win over Nottingham Forest after pulling out of the squad during the warm-up.
As a result, Arne Slot started Curtis Jones ahead of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister.
Surely there’s no way back to Salah’s best from here?
A new record drought in the Premier League…
Mohamed Salah shakes Arne Slot's hand as he comes off during Liverpool's Premier League match against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground (Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC).
Photo Creidt; Getty Images/Liverpool FC
This decision was made despite the fact that Joe Gomez was available and Dominik Szoboszlai was put at right-back.
Liverpool fans slammed Slot for his decision to start Jones in midfield and play the Hungarian in the back-four.
Their anger was justified in the first half, with the Academy product often given the ball or being dispossessed because he was too slow to react.
Jermaine Pennant unhappy with Dominik Szoboszlai playing right-back for Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest
Now, former Liverpool player Jermaine Pennant has shared his thoughts on Szoboszlai playing at right-back.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
He, as expected, shared a similar view to the Reds faithful when giving his verdict on X/Twitter.
Pennant wrote: “Wins a win and we will take them however they come right now! But I hope this has finally sunk in to slot, to STOP TAKING Szoboszlai out of midfield, it weakens the team dramatically.
“Especially if there is no Wirtz.”
Change my mind Rio Ngumoha was Liverpool’s star man despite barely playing vs Forest
Can anyone take the MOM award off him? Have your say!
rIO nGUMOHA PLAYING FOR lIVERPOOL VS nOTTINGHAM FOREST
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Jeremie Frimpong return will end Dominik Szoboszlai’s stint in defence
Thankfully, even with Wirtz out, we should see the Hungarian move back into midfield next week.
Slot might not trust Gomez to start matches, given his constant injury issues.
But the Dutchman did say in the build-up to Nottingham Forest that he expects Jeremie Frimpong back next week.
In turn, when Liverpool host West Ham United on Saturday, Frimpong should be the right-back, and Szoboszlai will likely operate in the number 10 role.
However, it does beg the question, who will be Liverpool’s front four when Wirtz is fit?
Cody Gakpo always has a place in the team, no matter his form, while Salah needs to start every fixture.
It may be the case that Wirtz loses his place at some point, or Szoboszlai is dropped into a deeper role ahead of Mac Allister or Ryan Gravenberch.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox