Former Red Johnson says a number of issues are key factors

EVEN with the acceptance that Trent Alexander-Arnold was leaving to join Real Madrid, Arne Slot could not have anticipated so many issues at right-back this season at Liverpool.

- By PAUL GORST

The £29m capture of Jeremie Frimpong, officially confirmed at the start of June, was to be supplemented by Conor Bradley taking a step up in seniority within the Premier League champions' squad as a bright new era approached for the club as champions.

Frimpong, who was the first arrival of a big-spending summer, has made just one Premier League start since his arrival, however, which came on the opening night against Bournemouth, in mid-August.

The Netherlands international has suffered successive hamstring injuries and has been limited to just four league appearances as a result.

He has been sidelined since October 22 with a return no nearer, according to Slot's recent update last week.

Bradley, for all his promise, is yet to showcase an ability to handle the intensity of regular football at a club with the demands of Liverpool.

The Northern Ireland international turned in what was likely a career-best performance against Real Madrid on the back of an impressive showing against Aston Villa recently, but pulled up with a fresh issue when on duty for his country during the recent break after a tough examination against Jeremy Doku of Manchester City on what was his third game in eight days for the Reds.

Dominik Szoboszlai has filled in at times, most impressively in August wins against Newcastle United and Arsenal, but it’s been a case of diminishing returns from the Hungary international at right fullback with the general consensus being that one of the few players to emerge with credit this season is being wasted away from his natural midfield position.