Szoboszlai Playing Right Back? Liverpool’s Midfield Dilemma Remains Unresolved

Take Szoboszlai for example. No one can clearly explain what the original purpose was behind signing him. The media described him as a midfielder, while the club gave him a top salary and promoted him to vice-captain, suggesting he was viewed as a key prospect. But when it comes to actually playing, no one knows exactly where he should be positioned. More surprisingly, even people within Liverpool have started arguing over it.

The club media covering the team have been consistent: asking Szoboszlai to play right back was his own choice, and he was willing to do it. It sounds like a responsible story. But Carragher was more direct, saying there is no problem with Szoboszlai playing right back, but he dislikes doing so. If a player says he is willing but is deeply unwilling inside, can you really expect him to produce the best results?

Speaking of right back, this has been one of Liverpool's biggest problems over the past two years. After Alexander-Arnold left, who will fill the gap? Bradley has suffered long-term injury issues and inconsistent form; Frimpong arrived but has yet to rediscover his form; the other options also fall short. This position feels like a bottomless hole that money cannot fill.

Iraola's solution is simple: move Szoboszlai back to right back. This happened repeatedly last season and has appeared again this weekend. It looks like a temporary solution, but when a temporary solution has been used for a season, should other options not be considered?

When Szoboszlai drops back, a gap appears in midfield and the overall formation shifts with it. This creates a practical question: who will fill the midfield role? If another player takes that spot, can he handle the responsibility? If not, the entire midfield operation becomes disorganized.

Carragher put it bluntly: Szoboszlai has never really been a true midfielder. He can run, has energy, and offers a goal threat, but playing him in midfield creates the same dilemma Jordan Henderson faced in that position — he is neither a defensive midfielder nor an attacking midfielder, stuck in between and looking uncomfortable.

On the other hand, Szoboszlai actually receives more possession and has more space when playing at right back. He can take on Alexander-Arnold's role, making wide forward runs, receiving and progressing the ball, or delivering crosses from the byline. From a tactical perspective, it is a valid idea.

But here comes the issue. Szoboszlai has just signed a new contract worth £350,000 per week and has also become vice-captain. A player on a top salary who has been given influence in the dressing room — do you really think he would willingly accept playing as a full back? Anyone in that situation would have to think carefully.

Liverpool's local media have quoted Szoboszlai himself saying that he is willing to play wherever the coach needs him, as long as he can bring value to the team. There is nothing wrong with that statement and it is difficult to criticize. But when you look closely, does it sound like a genuine feeling, or more like a public relations message?

Once both sides expressed their views, fans and media immediately split into two camps. One believes Szoboszlai playing right back is a reasonable setup that allows him to maximize his strengths and avoid weaknesses; the other believes it wastes his talent and shows the coach does not know how to use him. The argument actually reflects a deeper issue.

Liverpool's system has still not established a clear and stable framework. No one knows what the core style of this squad really is, and there is no authoritative leader figure stepping forward to control the situation. Even head coach Iraola appears to be figuring things out as he goes.

Players are signed to strengthen the team, but if new arrivals are placed in the wrong positions, or there is no clear idea where to use them, spending money becomes no different from wasting it. Szoboszlai's confusion is not only his own; it is a reflection of Liverpool's current uncertainty over squad planning.

The answer Iraola needs to provide is not another temporary right-back solution, but a clear definition of the entire squad's roles and tactical framework. Otherwise, today Szoboszlai plays right back, tomorrow another player may have to fill midfield, and the day after the roles change again. Fans become tired of watching, and players become confused by the constant adjustments.

To be frank, what Liverpool lack most right now is not money, nor talent, but a clear direction and a convincing system. Without those two things, even the best players who arrive will struggle while trying to fit into an unclear setup.