Liverpool quietly added another right-back option to their Premier League squad after deadline day
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Liverpool’s deficiencies at right-back are a big part of the reason why supporters are not particularly optimistic at their chances of success this season.The current start on the right of Andoni Iraola’s defence is Jeremie Frimpong, and while it is fair to say that the Dutchman could still improve in a Liverpool shirt, he does not look like being the best fit just now.Meanwhile, Conor Bradley’s ongoing injury problems mean Dominik Szoboszlai has already been needed to fill in at right-back after two games of the campaign, leaving fans to worry that the Reds have not learned their lessons from last season. What changes would you make if not? 👀 Liverpool potential XI Ronald Araujo can provide a makeshift option while Bradley comes back, and Joe Gomez will soon be available again.
Nevertheless, there is a clear lack of depth for the second season running.Iraola could look to the Liverpool academy more than Arne Slot ever did to bolster his ranks across the pitch in 2026/27, though, and after Isaac Mabaya was surprisingly added to the Reds’ official Premier League squad list on Thursday, the 21-year-old could yet be fast-tracked to the first team.Isaac Mabaya could play for Liverpool this seasonLiverpool’s lack of homegrown options is another issue which has shown up the recruitment department’s failings, and it says plenty that Mabaya is one of the eight players registered in that regard for this year’s Premier League.The right-back made his first-team debut against Plymouth in February 2025, but struggled to get going after coming on for Gomez after 10 minutes, and was taken off with half an hour left to play.READ MORE: Liverpool set deadline for when Hugo Ekitike and Conor Bradley will be back in actionPhoto by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty ImagesMabaya was then loaned out to Wigan Athletic last season, and the hope had been that he could kick on and put himself in the first-team picture. However, he featured only three times during an injury-hit campaign.He is now back fit again, though, and has started both of the U21s matches so far this season, playing 90 minutes against Leeds on Sunday.Clearly, if Mabaya is in the team then things have gone wrong somewhere for Liverpool, this season, but the reality is that having been included in the squad list, he is much nearer to an appearance than it might initially seem.An injury to Frimpong right now would likely mean Araujo comes in, but with Jeremy Jacquet being managed somewhat, the Uruguayan is needed at centre-back too.
Szoboszlai can do a job, but midfield options are not plentiful either, meaning Mabaya should be preparing himself for a potential call-up.This is not where Liverpool would want to be so early into the season, but it can be in these kinds of circumstances where young players step up and break through. Mabaya has not looked like doing that at any point over the past two years, but he may now get his chance after all.