Liverpool travel to Turf Moor on Sunday in their striking new green third kit, but the real intrigue surrounds who Arne Slot trusts to fill the void at right-back.
Three months after Trent Alexander-Arnold’s seismic departure to Real Madrid, the debate remains unresolved. Slot, though, hardly looks troubled.
The Dutchman’s options at right-back now stretch beyond natural defenders, with Dominik Szoboszlai emerging as a surprise contender. The Hungarian’s adaptability, engine, and tactical awareness have made him an unlikely but outstanding fit.
Szoboszlai has long showcased versatility across midfield and attack, but few foresaw the speed at which he would embrace the defensive role.
His standout performance against Newcastle — where he later returned to midfield to dummy Mohamed Salah’s pass that teed up Rio Ngumoha’s dramatic winner — was the clearest signal yet of his impact. Days later, his superb free-kick sank Arsenal, confirming his form as Liverpool’s driving force.
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Versatility of Szoboszlai gives Slot selection headache
Slot himself was glowing in praise:
“He’s always been the player that I think understands what a Liverpool player should look like. If you wear this shirt, you should give everything no matter in what position you play. Unbelievable game from him in the position he probably played only two or three times in his life, so it tells you a lot about the mentality he has.”
Liverpool’s regular options are edging closer to returns. Jeremie Frimpong is expected back after the break, Conor Bradley gained valuable minutes with Northern Ireland over the past week, and Joe Gomez has been steadily building fitness. Bradley, in particular, looks the most immediate challenger.
But Szoboszlai’s momentum is irresistible. A confidence player, his current form makes him close to undroppable. Slot must decide whether to persist with the Hungarian at right-back or restore him to midfield, where Alexis Mac Allister’s recovery and Florian Wirtz’s adaptation need careful management.
Wherever he lines up, Szoboszlai has been Liverpool’s standout. On current evidence, he is not just their form player, but one of the Premier League’s best performers so far this season.
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