Journalist defends major Arne Slot decision in Liverpool’s defeat to Nottingham Forest | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Right Back Puzzle After Forest Defeat

Liverpool’s 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest at Anfield deepened an alarming league slide that now reads six defeats in seven. What looked like a misstep has become a full-blown crisis, with the title defence in pieces and pressure tightening around Arne Slot. Player selection naturally dominates the discussion and David Lynch’s insight, speaking to Dave Davis for Anfield Index, brings useful clarity to one of the most debated calls, Dominik Szoboszlai at right back.

Szoboszlai’s Tactical Repositioning

Eyebrows shot up when Liverpool’s most influential midfielder this season was shifted into the back line. Many supporters expected Joe Gomez to cover in the injuries to Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley. Lynch, however, viewed the call differently.

“I didn’t mind that decision [to play Szoboszlai at right-back], because some of the better performances this season have been with him playing there.”

Liverpool’s win over Arsenal is the example many cite. Lynch points out that Szoboszlai offers traits reminiscent of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s hybrid role, stepping into midfield pockets and helping construct play.

“They beat Arsenal with him at right-back and he does a lot of stuff that we saw from Trent to help build up from that area.”

Injury Concerns And Squad Management

With both senior right backs unavailable, Slot faced choices rather than ideal solutions. The manager’s caution over Gomez became a central factor, and Lynch explained why the staff may have hesitated.

“Of course the two usual right-backs [Frimpong & Bradley] were injured.”“He could’ve played Joe Gomez there, but if you use him and he gets injured then that’s another concern for the manager.”

Photo: IMAGO

This issue extends beyond fitness, drifting into form and trust.

“I think Slot is just worried about using Gomez because he can’t rely on him. The sharpness isn’t there and we’ve seen him a few times this season and he hasn’t looked great.”

Curtis Jones also rotated into that space in possession, offering another layer to a patchwork solution.

“Curtis Jones kept dropping into right-back and rotating with Szoboszlai anyways.”

Squad Planning Questions

Liverpool’s depth was always going to be tested across a long campaign, but the accumulation of injuries combined with form issues has exposed structural fragility. Lynch notes the long-term question that lingers over Gomez’s future.

“But then you could argue that there was no point in keeping him in the summer.”

The bigger story here is not just one selection call, it is about Liverpool’s ability to manage absences without losing identity. Slot’s hand was forced, but the outcome has added fuel to wider debates on recruitment and risk management.