With Liverpool continuing to navigate life after the departure of their long-serving academy graduate, Arne Slot has been left with little choice but to experiment in order to solve the growing problems at right-back. The situation has forced the Dutch manager into making several temporary adjustments, with a number of players being asked to operate outside of their natural positions in recent weeks.
Among those used as emergency solutions are Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones, both of whom have featured at right-back despite primarily being midfielders. While the pair have shown professionalism, determination, and a willingness to adapt for the benefit of the team, it has become obvious that neither possesses the natural defensive instincts or positional awareness typically required from a specialist full-back. Their performances have highlighted effort and commitment, but they are still learning the demands of a role that requires defensive discipline, tactical awareness, and the ability to deal with dangerous wingers over the course of an entire match.
At the same time, Joe Gomez has also been relied upon far more heavily than Liverpool initially expected at the beginning of the campaign. Gomez has the versatility and experience needed to cover multiple defensive positions, making him a dependable option whenever injuries or tactical issues arise. However, the club never intended for him to shoulder such a significant workload on the right side of defence throughout the season. Constantly depending on Gomez to fill the gap has raised concerns about squad balance and depth, especially with Liverpool competing on multiple fronts.
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the position has now increased speculation that Liverpool could be forced to enter the transfer market in search of a more permanent answer. Rather than continuing to depend on makeshift solutions from within the squad, the club appears to be considering the possibility of signing a recognised right-back capable of bringing stability and consistency to the role.
Reports indicate that sporting director Richard Hughes has already begun exploring potential transfer targets as Liverpool prepare for the upcoming window. The aim is believed to be finding an experienced and reliable player who can immediately strengthen the squad and reduce the need for constant tactical reshuffling. With the current situation exposing the lack of depth in the position, Liverpool’s recruitment team may now view a new right-back as one of the club’s biggest priorities moving forward.
