Liverpool legend tells Arne Slot to give Northern Ireland star more chances over Szoboszlai

Markus Babbel says Arne Slot should stop using Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back and give Conor Bradley a sustained run, while Jeremie Frimpong needs time to adapt. Betting angle: punters might back Bradley to start upcoming matches and consider Liverpool to concede fewer chances or secure a win with him at right-back — early markets for "Bradley to start" or a Liverpool clean sheet could shorten odds.

Babbel urges Slot to stop using Szoboszlai as a makeshift right-back

Former Liverpool defender Markus Babbel has called on manager Arne Slot to stop deploying Dominik Szoboszlai in a defensive role and instead hand Conor Bradley a consistent run in the right-back berth. Babbel argues Szoboszlai is a top midfield talent and that forcing him into full-back duties harms both the player and team balance.

Give Bradley game time to build Premier League confidence

Babbel believes Bradley, who already understands the demands of the Premier League, should be trusted with consecutive starts to develop rhythm and confidence. He suggested a run of four to six games would help Bradley adapt and flourish, rather than being regularly substituted or shuffled out of position.

Frimpong signing needs patience — Premier League adjustment

Jeremie Frimpong, signed from Bayer Leverkusen for around £29 million, is still adapting to the Premier League's intensity and quality. Babbel compares his transition to other young talents and says Frimpong will likely improve after several matches, but he is not yet an instant fix at right-back.

Frimpong's versatility and long-term upside

Frimpong offers pace and attacking threat and can also operate on the wing, providing an option if Mohamed Salah’s form dips. Babbel argues Frimpong will be more dangerous once accustomed to the league, but for now Bradley represents the more ready, homegrown option at right-back.

Squad harmony and selection dilemmas

Babbel warns that positional tinkering can create frustration and destabilise dressing-room morale. He recommends clear choices: if Szoboszlai is preferred in midfield, he should not be shoehorned into defence. If another midfielder is better, Szoboszlai should be benched, rather than played out of position.

What this means for selection and competition

The long-term hope remains a healthy competition between Bradley and Frimpong for the right-back role. For now, Babbel’s view is pragmatic: pick the player who knows the league and give him minutes to grow, while allowing Frimpong time to adapt into the Premier League system.

Arne Slot has been trying out a number of different options in the Liverpool team, but former defender Markus Babbel has told him to give Conor Bradley a chance

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