Slot hints that fans will have to accept something inevitable about Szoboszlai ahead of tomorrow's match - opinion
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Liverpool supporters are likely to be frustrated when the team news drops for Saturday’s match against Brighton, with Dominik Szoboszlai set to return to his role at right-back.Szoboszlai was the catalyst once again for the Reds in midweek, sweeping home a lovely opening goal to set them on their way to a 4-0 win over Galatasaray.The Hungarian has been Liverpool‘s main man all season long, but his influence has waned when having to fill in as a makeshift full-back. Arne Slot’s expected front three without Salah, what changes would you make? 🔄 No room for Rio again!
Looks like Gakpo will return…Liverpool predicted XI vs Brighton – GRV Media After Arne Slot dropped some worrying news over Joe Gomez and Jeremie Frimpong ahead of Saturday’s trip to the Amex Stadium, however, Szoboszlai seems set to frustratingly move back into defence.Slot not taking chances over Gomez and FrimpongSzoboszlai started Sunday’s disappointing draw with Tottenham at right-back, and although he scored direct from a free-kick, he did not have his usual impact on proceedings.It is clear just how crucial the 25-year-old is to Liverpool’s midfield, but with Gomez and Frimpong both struggling with fitness issues this season, Slot hinted that he will have to go with Szoboszlai again.“Joe wasn’t able to come in,” the Dutchman said on Gomez during his pre-match press conference. He might be – might be – available tomorrow [vs Brighton] but not to start.”Photo by MB Media/Getty ImagesREAD MORE: Analysing Arne Slot’s five options to replace Mohamed Salah for Liverpool vs BrightonMeanwhile, Frimpong has started Liverpool’s last two matches, leading to Slot strongly suggesting that he too will be left out of the XI against Brighton.“We put in an enormous shift Wednesday, in terms of physical performance,” he said.
“Tell me what is smart – and, yes, I have to make that decision – but Jeremie Frimpong, for example, is such an explosive player, made so many sprints and so many times this season, unfortunately, when games came fast he got injured.”Asked whether Szoboszlai will indeed go again at right-back, Slot did not confirm or deny the suggestion, but he did speak at length about the former RB Leipzig man being the best option when natural right-backs are not available. 8 starts in the middle of the pitch.However, Jones has fallen out of favour under Slot recently, and although he has done well at full-back when required, it seems unlikely he will start on the South Coast.The one point to mention, however, is that if Szoboszlai plays at right-back, there is a spot in the Liverpool midfield potentially up for grabs.