Not Ngumoha: Arne Slot wowed by ‘mentality’ of tireless Liverpool beast with 89% pass completion
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Liverpool manager Arne Slot is expected to make a surprising tactical decision by starting Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back in their Premier League clash against Newcastle at St James’ Park. With Liverpool’s regular right-back options unavailable—Jeremie Frimpong is sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Conor Bradley has only recently returned to training, and Joe Gomez has seen limited playtime—Slot may deploy Szoboszlai, typically a midfielder, in this defensive role for the match.
According to Liverpool Echo reporter Paul Gorst, this “left-field experiment” could benefit Liverpool by allowing them to maintain possession and manage the hostile atmosphere from Newcastle’s fans. Szoboszlai, while not a natural full-back, has experience playing there during pre-season and brings valuable qualities such as high energy, tireless running, and excellent ball control. His presence would provide an additional attacking outlet from a deep position, potentially more so than Frimpong would have offered.
Newcastle’s midfield is known for being particularly combative, so Liverpool will require all the dynamism and power they can assemble on the pitch. Gorst suggested that Conor Bradley could be kept as an option on the bench, ready to come on if necessary during the game.
The scenario highlights the challenges Slot faces in squad selection due to injuries and fitness concerns, leading to innovative tactical adjustments ahead of an intense fixture marked by rivalry and recent transfer tensions involving Newcastle and Liverpool.
PP