Liverpool’s Right-Back Dilemma: Filling the Void Left by Trent Alexander-Arnold
Liverpool’s 2025 season has been a storm of highs and lows, and amid the turbulence lies a problem many fans didn’t anticipate — the right-back position. For years, Trent Alexander-Arnold owned that flank, redefining the modern full-back role with his creativity, passing, and vision. His dramatic departure, however, has left a void that remains unfilled, and its impact is quietly shaping Liverpool’s campaign.
The summer saw the arrival of Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, a dynamic Dutch full-back praised for his pace and attacking instinct. Alongside him, academy graduate Conor Bradley was expected to challenge for the position, while Arne Slot even experimented with Dominik Szoboszlai as a makeshift right-back in certain matches — a reflection of the uncertainty surrounding the role.
The Stamford Bridge Reality Check
Following back-to-back defeats, Liverpool’s trip to Stamford Bridge was billed as a test of resilience. The game was fierce and evenly matched until teenager Estevão Willian struck in stoppage time to hand Chelsea a dramatic 2–1 victory. Beyond the heartbreak, the defeat exposed Liverpool’s ongoing fragility on the right side of defense.
Alexander-Arnold’s exit left a tactical and emotional gap. Frimpong, though gifted, has struggled to fully adapt to Slot’s system after excelling in a back-three setup in Germany. His attacking flair is evident, but his positional discipline is still developing. Bradley, on the other hand, has shown flashes of quality but remains inconsistent, hampered by injuries and the steep learning curve of Premier League football.
Against Chelsea, Slot handed Bradley the start. The young Northern Irishman fought hard but found himself troubled by Alejandro Garnacho’s relentless pace and trickery. A first-half booking summed up his struggle to contain the Argentine. At halftime, Slot made changes — Szoboszlai dropped deeper to cover defensively while Florian Wirtz came on to inject creativity — a necessary adjustment but one that underscored Liverpool’s right-back uncertainty.
Redknapp’s Call for Stability
Former captain Jamie Redknapp addressed the issue after the match, calling for clarity and consistency. Speaking on Sky Sports, he urged Liverpool to “pick a player and back them,” insisting that constant rotation undermines confidence and cohesion.
“I’d love to see Conor make that position his own,” Redknapp said, acknowledging both Bradley’s injury setbacks and Frimpong’s tactical adjustment period. He also cautioned that Szoboszlai, while adaptable, cannot be a long-term solution in defense.
Redknapp’s assessment hits at the heart of Liverpool’s dilemma. Alexander-Arnold’s absence isn’t just about replacing a technically gifted player — it’s about losing a tactical cornerstone. His overlapping runs, deep playmaking, and precision delivery were central to Liverpool’s identity. Replicating that influence will take time.
A Scarce Market and a Tactical Balancing Act
The right-back problem is complicated further by a lack of elite options in the transfer market. As Redknapp noted, players capable of fitting into Liverpool’s high-pressing, fast-transition style are rare. Even top names like Achraf Hakimi are either unavailable or would still require adaptation time.
Injuries have also hindered Liverpool’s search for stability. Both Bradley and Frimpong have missed crucial spells, interrupting their rhythm. Bradley’s recurring knocks have limited his growth, while Frimpong’s adjustment to Premier League tempo has led to moments of vulnerability. Szoboszlai’s occasional deployment there is merely a stopgap — effective at times, but unsustainable in the long term.
The Path Forward
Despite the turbulence, there are positives. Both Frimpong and Bradley possess strong foundations to build upon. Bradley’s speed, tenacity, and defensive instincts hint at long-term potential, while Frimpong’s experience in Europe offers versatility and attacking thrust. Slot’s challenge lies in finding balance — maintaining Liverpool’s attacking width while securing defensive stability on that side.
The right-back role is crucial to Liverpool’s overall rhythm. The full-backs are expected not only to defend but also to push high, support attacks, and recycle possession. Inconsistency in this position disrupts fluidity, limits creativity, and leaves spaces vulnerable — as seen in the late Chelsea winner.
Redknapp’s solution is simple but wise: commit to one player. Defensive units thrive on rhythm and understanding; constant rotation breeds hesitation. By giving one right-back an extended run, Liverpool can build cohesion, confidence, and trust — foundations essential for success in high-pressure environments.
A Symbol of Transition
Liverpool’s right-back saga is symbolic of the club’s broader transitional phase after Alexander-Arnold. Slot is tasked with ushering in a new era while blending youth, new signings, and a refined tactical approach. The process demands patience — from fans, players, and management alike.
Replacing a generational talent is never immediate. Both Frimpong and Bradley will need time, guidance, and faith to evolve. Slot must weigh form, fitness, and tactical fit carefully, resisting the urge for short-term fixes.
Beyond tactics, there’s also a human side to this story. Bradley and Frimpong are young players carrying immense pressure, stepping into a role once defined by one of the best full-backs in modern football. Their mental strength and development under Slot’s leadership will determine how quickly Liverpool can restore balance.
The Road Ahead
Looking ahead, Slot’s decision at right-back could shape the rest of Liverpool’s season. Three straight defeats have already raised questions, and stability on that flank could be the key to regaining rhythm. A confident, consistent right-back would not only fortify the defense but also reignite Liverpool’s attacking spark.
Fans are adjusting to life after Alexander-Arnold — a legend whose influence extended far beyond his position. Replacing him may be impossible, but redefining the role is achievable. As Redknapp noted, Liverpool must trust the process, nurture what they have, and build long-term rather than react short-term.
In many ways, this dilemma encapsulates modern football — where tactical precision, player adaptation, and mental resilience intertwine. One position, when unsettled, can shift an entire team’s balance. For Liverpool, solving the right-back puzzle is not just about restoring defensive order — it’s about finding identity in a post-Trent era.
The journey will take time. But if Slot can identify and develop his successor at right-back, Liverpool will emerge stronger — not as a team trying to replace a legend, but as one creating a new chapter of its own.
