Slot needs to find RIGHT solution to back problem

THE conundrum Arne Slot faces at right-back right now feels like a microcosm of Liverpool's wider problems.

- By PAUL GORST LFC Correspondent

Dominik Szoboszlai was back at right-back during the latter stages of Saturday's defeat at Chelsea

(MICHAEL STEELE)

That midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has been the most prominent performer in the position so far in a summer that saw Trent Alexander-Arnold leave before £29m Jeremie Frimpong was signed to compete with emerging academy graduate Conor Bradley has been telling.

Both Frimpong and Bradley began the summer looking like rivals for the position, with their contrasting styles, but neither has yet to properly nudge ahead of the other, for various reasons.

Hungary captain Szoboszlai was once more deployed as a fullback in the second half at Chelsea on Saturday evening after Bradley struggled to get to grips with Alejandro Garnacho.

Northern Ireland international Bradley was cautioned by referee Anthony Taylor, which led to the Londoners appearing to target him for the remainder of the half. Midfielder Enzo Fernandez was even moved to demand a second yellow after Bradley had once more fouled Garnacho shortly before the break.

Slot had Frimpong and Joe Gomez on the bench to turn to but in an effort to inject some creativity into a listless first period at Stamford Bridge, it was Florian Wirtz who was instead summoned, meaning the versatile Szoboszlai was again entrusted to fill in on the right side of defence.