Arne Slot may be forced into an unexpected tactical move for Liverpool’s high-intensity clash against Newcastle on Monday night.
With tensions already rising between the two sets of fans due to the Alexander Isak transfer saga, the Premier League champions head to St James’ Park facing a significant selection issue.
Jeremie Frimpong is unavailable due to a hamstring injury, Conor Bradley has only just resumed training after a similar problem, and Joe Gomez – who picked up a knock during pre-season – has barely featured in the league this year.
This situation presents Slot with a real dilemma at right-back, and Liverpool Echo reporters have been speculating about possible solutions. Paul Gorst has suggested that Slot could turn to an unusual option – playing midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai in that position.
Gorst wrote: “As an outside-the-box solution, I’d go with Szoboszlai. Liverpool will need to maintain possession and keep the crowd quiet, and although Szoboszlai isn’t a natural full-back, he has filled in there during pre-season. His technical ability offers an extra attacking dimension from deep – something Frimpong, even if fit, may not have provided.
“Given how physical Newcastle’s midfield is, Liverpool need as much energy as possible. Szoboszlai’s stamina and work rate could be invaluable on Monday. Bradley could come on later if needed.”
Slot is facing a tough call within the next 24 hours, as deploying a midfielder at right-back is far from ideal so early in the campaign. However, injuries may leave him with no choice.
As Gorst notes, Szoboszlai has already been tested in that role during a pre-season match against Stoke, so it wouldn’t be entirely unfamiliar. While Bradley and Gomez would typically be considered for the role, neither appears ready to start – Bradley may be eased in slowly, and Gomez still looks short of match fitness despite a brief recent appearance against Bournemouth.
With Newcastle’s Harvey Barnes likely to pose a threat from the left, Slot’s decision on who fills the right-back slot could be crucial. If none of the usual options are ready, the Hungarian midfielder may have to step in.
Regardless of what choice Slot makes, he has the fans’ backing. He was appointed to handle situations just like this, and has earned trust when it comes to making bold decisions under pressure.
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