Liverpool’s Right-Back Puzzle Under Arne Slot

Liverpool’s defence has been under scrutiny since the start of the 2025-26 season, particularly at right-back. Arne Slot’s summer signing of Jeremie Frimpong, for £29million, suggested a clear first-choice solution. Yet the situation is far from settled, with Conor Bradley also pushing for opportunities and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s long-standing role still casting a shadow over decisions.

Frimpong and Bradley both offer attacking qualities but are not yet convincing as consistent defensive options. Slot’s decision to deploy Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back in the Champions League clash against Galatasaray only intensified the debate, especially as the Hungarian gave away a decisive penalty in the loss.

Slot’s Stance on Bradley and Frimpong

With both right-backs now fit, Slot addressed the issue in his press conference ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Chelsea. His words reflected a cautious approach to players returning from injury.

“I don’t think so [that Bradley and Frimpong are getting frustrated] at the moment,” Slot explained. “Conor Bradley has been out with an injury in pre-season that brought him into the season with an injury, and Jeremie Frimpong the same.

“He’s been out with an injury as well, so I would be surprised if players are complaining that they don’t play if they are injured; that would be something new to me.

“They’ve came back from their injuries, but like Alexander Isak, we don’t believe it’s possible that if you’ve been out for three or four weeks with an injury, that you can play three or four games in a week.”

Slot’s insistence highlights the challenge of balancing recovery, fitness, and performance levels, especially during a relentless Premier League schedule.

Pressure Building Ahead of Chelsea Clash

Liverpool head to Stamford Bridge this weekend sitting top of the Premier League table. Slot has overseen an impressive start to the season, but inconsistency has crept into certain performances. Recent tests against Burnley and Arsenal suggested vulnerabilities, and Chelsea could exploit them.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side may not be in their best form, but with Joao Pedro leading their attack, the Londoners remain capable of troubling any defence. Liverpool cannot afford to slip, as a failure to beat Chelsea would open the door for Arsenal to reclaim top spot.

Slot’s Challenge to Maintain Momentum

Liverpool supporters expect their side to maintain dominance after last season’s Premier League triumph under Slot. Yet issues such as the right-back dilemma remind us that the squad still requires balance and adaptability. Chelsea, despite their inconsistencies, will not be an easy hurdle, and Slot must find a winning formula that combines resilience with attacking fluency.

Saturday’s game at Stamford Bridge could shape early momentum in the title race. Victory would reinforce Liverpool’s credentials under Slot, while anything less could hand rivals an opening they would eagerly seize.