RismadarVoice Reporters
September 3, 2026
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has indicated that midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai could continue to feature at right-back this season as the club deals with ongoing concerns over the position.
The right-back role has remained a challenge for Liverpool since last season, with former manager Arne Slot using several players in the position, including Jeremie Frimpong, Conor Bradley, Joe Gomez, Calvin Ramsay, Wataru Endo, Curtis Jones and Szoboszlai.
Szoboszlai was repeatedly deployed in the role by Slot, and Iraola turned to the Hungarian international again during Liverpool’s recent match against Nottingham Forest after Frimpong struggled during the game.
The tactical adjustment helped Liverpool recover from a difficult position and secure a 2-2 draw, with Iraola later confirming that Szoboszlai remains an option at right-back when required.
“The challenge in the squad now is we don’t have Conor Bradley there at right-back. That’s why I value Dom (Szoboszlai) at right-back as he can play there,” Iraola said.
“Versatility in the player helps us go through moments when we have injuries. It is a matter of making the right calls and finding the best combinations.”
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has suggested that Szoboszlai could be better suited to the right-back position, arguing that his energy, passing ability and attacking qualities could allow him to perform a similar role to former Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Carragher said Szoboszlai’s qualities could provide Liverpool with greater balance, although he acknowledged that the player may prefer to remain in midfield after recently signing a new contract and becoming vice-captain.
The possibility of moving Szoboszlai into defence has also been linked to Liverpool’s midfield structure. The club’s midfield trio of Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Florian Wirtz has been viewed as highly attacking, leaving the team vulnerable during counter-attacks.
A deeper role for Szoboszlai from the right side could allow him to support midfield operations while also covering defensive responsibilities when Liverpool lose possession.
However, using Szoboszlai at right-back would also mean Liverpool could lose some of his influence in attacking areas, where he was one of the team’s standout performers last season.
Liverpool’s summer signing Jeremie Frimpong has struggled to consistently impress since joining from Bayer Leverkusen, while left-back Milos Kerkez has also faced challenges adapting to the team.
The club’s failure to bring in another specialist right-back has increased pressure on Iraola to find internal solutions, with Szoboszlai viewed as one of the most flexible options available.
Iraola said Szoboszlai’s willingness to play different positions remains valuable for the team.
“I haven’t found any situations where players have told me they don’t want to play certain positions. Everyone is ready to help,” the manager said.
“If we have to play him as a right winger, right-back or left-back, he is ready to do it. He wants to help the team first.”
With Liverpool facing a demanding schedule and injury concerns affecting squad options, Iraola is expected to continue assessing different combinations as he looks to establish his preferred defensive and midfield setup.
