Szoboszlai's Versatility: Liverpool's Right-Back Solution

Andoni Iraola is ready to turn again to one of last season’s most unlikely weapons: Dominic Szoboszlai, the right-back.

Liverpool’s manager has confirmed he is open to redeploying the reigning player of the year in defence, as injuries and a thin full-back department threaten to stretch his squad early in the campaign.

Szoboszlai, the makeshift full-back

Szoboszlai was Liverpool’s all-action star last season, racking up 25 goal contributions – 13 goals and 12 assists – in 53 appearances. Those numbers would stand out for any attacking midfielder. They look even more impressive when you remember how often he was dragged away from his natural role and asked to plug gaps at right-back.

That scenario is back on the table.

With Jeremie Frimpong exposed in that position in the opening two games, Liverpool tried a late fix on deadline day, testing Chelsea’s resolve with a move that was swiftly shut down by the London club. No deal, no new right-back.

So the solution may once again come from within.

“I haven’t found any situation where a player has said he doesn’t want to play in a position,” Iraola said in Thursday’s press conference, keeping his cards close but the message clear.

“We have discussions, but everyone wants to help. If we have to play Dom as a right winger, as a right-back or a midfielder, he wants to help the team first.

“We have some injuries now, and we need the versatility of the players, players like Dom. Even in the game, they have to change positions.”

The implication is obvious: Szoboszlai is on standby for another stint in a role most elite playmakers would run from.

No new full-back, no complaints

Liverpool’s summer business ended with £123m man Bradley Barcola as the headline arrival. After that, nothing. No extra full-back cover, no late midfield body, no last-minute surprise.

Iraola, though, isn’t biting at any suggestion of frustration.

“I’m very happy with the signings we made. Do I want more signings? At the end, the club has decided those signings we have done are the ones that will improve our team.

“There were other options we decided not to take for different reasons, sometimes sporting or economic; the deal didn’t make sense in the market. But I’m happy now.

“We have a lot of quality in the team. The moment is for the players to give it all they have.”

The message is firm: this is the group, and the excuses are off the table.

Right-back problem, versatility solution

The real tension point in the squad is obvious. Conor Bradley is out, and the right side of defence is creaking.

“The challenge in the squad now is we don’t have Conor there at right-back. That’s why I value Dom at right-back, as he can play there,” Iraola admitted.

“Versatility in the player helps us go through the moments when we have injuries.

“In midfield we have good numbers. Now it’s a matter of getting the right calls from myself.

“I’m finding now the best combinations, and we are going through a period now where we will play a lot of games, and we’ll have a chance to see the options we have and the combinations we have. It’s a matter of coaching.”

Liverpool are already in “square pegs, round holes” territory, and Iraola isn’t pretending otherwise. The schedule is heavy, the injuries are stacking up, and tactical flexibility is no longer a luxury – it’s a requirement.

Injuries bite, returns in sight

The treatment room is busy at Anfield, but there is at least a hint of light ahead.

“The closest one [to playing again] is Joe [Gomez]. He will start training with us next week,” Iraola revealed.

“Next one is [Giovanni] Leoni; he could be training during the break with the group. Conor [Bradley] is next, and, especially Hugo, longer.”

Until those names are back in full training and match sharp, Iraola will lean heavily on players willing to shift and sacrifice.

And if that means Liverpool’s most productive midfielder spends another spell patrolling the right flank, Szoboszlai looks ready to shoulder it again – because for this squad, versatility might be the difference between staying on track and being exposed.