Why Signing A Right-Back Must Be Liverpool’s Priority This Summer

It is becoming increasingly clear that Liverpool F.C. may have no choice but to sign a right-back this summer.

With Jeremie Frimpong struggling with injuries and Conor Bradley expected to be out long term, the right-back position is quickly becoming a serious problem for Liverpool.

Frimpong’s Injury Record Is A Concern

Frimpong is a very talented attacking full-back, but his injury record is starting to become a concern. If a player cannot stay fit consistently, it becomes very difficult for a team to rely on them over a full season.

Liverpool need stability in defence, especially in a position as important as full-back, where players are expected to play a huge number of games every season.

If Frimpong continues to pick up injuries, Liverpool risk going into another season short in a very important position.

Bradley Injury Leaves Liverpool Short

The long-term injury to Conor Bradley has made the situation even worse. Bradley had looked like a very good option and someone who could compete for the right-back spot, but if he is unavailable for a long period, Liverpool suddenly look very short in that area of the pitch.

This leaves the manager having to move players out of position to cover the role, which weakens the team overall.

Playing Midfielders Or Wingers At Right-Back Is Not A Solution

Using midfielders or attacking players at right-back might work for a game or two, but it is not a long-term solution — especially not for a club trying to compete for the league and Champions League.

Defensive positioning, awareness, and one-on-one defending are specialist skills, and asking attacking players to fill in regularly can cause problems against top teams.

A Priority Signing This Summer

Liverpool will likely have several positions to strengthen this summer, but right-back is now becoming one of the most important.

A reliable, defensively solid right-back who can stay fit and play regularly should now be a priority. Otherwise, Liverpool risk going into another season with the same problem — and that could cost them in big games.

It is quickly becoming clear that signing a right-back this summer is not just an option for Liverpool — it may be a necessity.

Jamie (The Kopite View)