Arne Slot’s recent team selections for Liverpool FC have sparked debate among supporters, with the head coach repeatedly deploying midfielders in the right-back role instead of using natural defenders.
First it was Dominik Szoboszlai, and more recently Curtis Jones has been asked to fill in — including a surprise start against Crystal Palace FC, despite two recognised right-backs being available on the bench in Jeremie Frimpong and Joe Gomez.
So why is Slot doing it?
Tactical control over traditional width
One key reason appears to be control in possession.
By using midfielders in defensive wide areas, Slot gains:
- More comfort on the ball under pressure
- Better passing angles in build-up play
- Greater midfield control when progressing possession
Both Szoboszlai and Jones naturally step inside, effectively turning Liverpool’s shape into a more fluid midfield-heavy structure.
Inverting the full-back role
Rather than relying on overlapping full-backs, Slot often prefers an inverted system.
That allows:
- Extra bodies in midfield during possession phases
- Better resistance to counter-pressing
- Reduced exposure in wide defensive transitions
It’s a system that prioritises structure over traditional attacking full-back runs.
Trust and tactical discipline
Another factor is trust in specific players to execute instructions.
Jones, in particular, has been praised for:
- Tactical discipline
- Defensive work rate
- Ability to adapt to unfamiliar roles
Slot appears to value reliability in possession and positioning over natural positional pedigree in certain matches.
Frimpong and Gomez on the bench decision
The decision to start Jones against Crystal Palace despite having two natural right-backs available raised eyebrows.
However, it suggests:
- Slot prefers tactical balance over specialist selection
- Opposition-specific planning plays a major role
- Fitness and tactical matchups influence selection heavily
A wider pattern, not a one-off
This is not an isolated experiment — it reflects a broader tactical theme under Slot.
Liverpool are increasingly flexible in structure, with players expected to:
- Rotate positions in build-up
- Cover multiple zones
- Prioritise system function over fixed roles
Final thought
While it may look unconventional on paper, Slot’s use of midfielders at right-back is deliberate rather than accidental.
It is a tactical decision built around control, structure, and flexibility — even if it means leaving natural defenders on the bench in favour of players who better fit the system on the day.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
The Kopite View 
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