Newcastle United v Liverpool, Premier League
Injuries expose Liverpool’s narrow margin
Liverpool’s right-back position has become an early test of squad construction, coaching judgement and individual adaptability. Frimpong and Bradley are the natural reference points in the discussion, but fitness concerns have forced Szoboszlai into a role far removed from his usual midfield responsibilities.
Conor Bradley’s absence has reduced the available options. Joe Gomez has also been unavailable, leaving Liverpool short of recognised defensive cover and compelling the coaching staff to examine solutions from elsewhere in the squad.
According to the original source, the supplied press-conference transcript, Iraola readily acknowledged that Liverpool looked thin at right-back. His explanation was equally direct: almost any squad would appear vulnerable if two players capable of covering the same position were injured simultaneously.
That does not remove the difficulty. A right-back in this Liverpool side must defend isolated spaces, support attacks and make intelligent decisions when possession changes hands. Filling the position is therefore not simply a matter of placing another player on the right side of the pitch.
Szoboszlai offers a different solution
Dominik Szoboszlai gives Liverpool an unconventional but credible alternative. His athleticism, passing range and willingness to carry out tactical instructions make him capable of operating at right-back, even if the move takes one of the team’s most energetic players away from midfield.
Iraola said he had discussed positional preferences with numerous members of the squad but had not encountered resistance when asking them to perform unfamiliar duties.
“I haven’t found any situations where any player has told me, ‘No, I don’t want to play here,’” the manager explained.
Szoboszlai embodies that collective attitude. He may prefer to influence matches centrally, yet his ability to play at right-back, on the wing or elsewhere gives Liverpool a valuable in-game mechanism. He can begin in defence and move into midfield when the shape changes, potentially allowing the team to adjust without making a substitution.
Such versatility should not be mistaken for defensive perfection. Szoboszlai must still judge when to advance, how tightly to mark and when to protect the space behind him. Those instincts are more natural to a specialist such as Bradley, but they can improve through repetition.
Frimpong and Bradley remain vital
Frimpong brings qualities associated with an aggressively attacking right-back. His speed and forward intent can alter the geometry of a match, particularly when Liverpool need width or wish to force an opposing winger towards his own goal.
Bradley offers a different balance. He is accustomed to the defensive responsibilities of the position and can support attacks without abandoning its essential demands. Once fit, his return should reduce the need for improvised selections and give Liverpool a more familiar structure.
The central issue is not necessarily whether Frimpong, Bradley or Szoboszlai represents the single definitive answer. Different matches may demand different profiles. Frimpong can provide thrust, Bradley can offer specialist balance and Szoboszlai can help Liverpool overload midfield during possession.
Iraola’s comments suggest that adaptability will remain important even after the injury situation improves. “It’s good also to have players who can cover different positions,” he said. “Especially now that we have some injuries.”
Tactical choice carries midfield consequences
Selecting Szoboszlai at right-back solves one problem while creating another. Liverpool lose his running power from central midfield, where his pressing and ability to break forward can accelerate attacks. Iraola must consequently decide whether the benefits on the right outweigh the alteration to the centre.
The manager believes Liverpool have sufficient midfield numbers. His challenge is to identify combinations that complement one another during a demanding sequence of fixtures.
“I learn every game I coach these players,” he said. “It’s a matter of finding now the best combinations.”
That process will influence the right-back decision. If another midfield combination supplies enough intensity, Szoboszlai can move wide without weakening the side. If Liverpool require his dynamism centrally, Frimpong or Bradley becomes considerably more important.
Squad depth is often discussed as a headcount, but useful depth depends on roles, relationships and availability. Liverpool may have several players capable of appearing at right-back, although each selection changes the team in a different way.
Frimpong and Bradley provide specialist qualities. Szoboszlai supplies insurance, flexibility and a means of changing shape during a match. Liverpool’s answer may not be a permanent hierarchy but a rotating solution dictated by fitness, opponents and tactics.
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