£30m Richard Hughes signing has solved big Liverpool problem | OneFootball

Liverpool appear to have finally solved their centre-back crisis.

A few weeks ago Andoni Iraola was forced to use inexperienced pair Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Mor Talla Ndiaye at the heart of the defence. And forgotten man Luke Chambers also had preseason outings in the position.

But with Virgil van Dijk returning to the fold - and Jeremy Jacquet coming in for his debut in impressive fashion - some calm has been restored.

That’s before we mention the loan signing of Ronald Araujo - and the imminent comeback from injury for Giovanni Leoni. Far from being a position of vulnerability all of a sudden things are looking up for the central defensive positions.

Liverpool have got issues to solve at right-back

There are however still issues to resolve at right-back.

Conor Bradley’s comeback date from a serious knee injury remains uncertain and no doubt Iraola will be seeking to avoid using midfielders in that position as cover.

It opens the door for Jeremie Frimpong to stake a claim for the position - provided of course that the Anfield club do not seek to add a new performer in the transfer market.

The 25-year-old was signed from Bayer Leverkusen last summer after the Reds triggered a release clause of around £30m.

But the Netherlands international struggled for form and fitness throughout his maiden Liverpool campaign - ultimately missing out on the Dutch squad for the FIFA World Cup.

under Arne Slot with the former Liverpool head coach using him further up the field instead.

Frimpong rejuvenated under Iraola

But preseason under Iraola has told a different story - with Frimpong particularly impressive at right-back versus Como on Sunday at Anfield.

The former Celtic star now appears ready to shine for the 2024/25 Premier League champions under Iraola having found his role at last.

“Frimpong then drew the plaudits down the other end with a superb tackle to deny Como inside the penalty area,” a report reads in the Liverpool Echo.

“At a time when the Reds look light on that side of the pitch, this was an encouraging outing from the versatile former Bayer Leverkusen man.

“Questions remain about where he is most effective and best suited but Iraola clearly sees Frimpong as an adventurous right-back.

“If he can stay injury-free, he stands a decent chance of making his second season much more productive at Anfield.”

£30m Frimpong's welcome upturn in form

This upturn in form could not have come at a better time. Liverpool have simply been unable to adequately replace Trent Alexander-Arnold thus far.

Bradley has been injured - and inconsistent - while the same could be said for Joe Gomez. Finally Frimpong is looking the part - with the £30m acquisition now looking ready to solve a problem position for the new Spanish head coach.