Clear winner from Liverpool's contenders to replace Dominik Szoboszlai

Liverpool must replace Dominik Szoboszlai and there's a clear winner to do so.

Dominik Szoboszlai was sent off at the end of Liverpool's 2-1 defeat at home to Manchester City. It means he's now suspended for the trip to Sunderland this week.

And that's a ridiculous situation to be in, given City would have preferred the goal to the free-kick and sending off. But here we are, with Liverpool in a difficult position.

Szoboszlai played the fixture at right-back, but he was only there because the Reds have a right-back crisis. Conor Bradley is out for the season, of course, while Jeremie Frimpong and Joe Gomez are both injured.

Liverpool, then, are down to their fifth-choice right-back against Sunderland. But who is that exactly?

Liverpool's right-back contenders

Curtis Jones feels like the most likely option to start at right-back against Sunderland. Arne Slot has shown a real preference for 'trusted' players over those he rarely uses, meaning the Scouser is better-placed for the role than anyone else on this list.

So from a most likely stand point, it'll be Jones.

But Wataru Endo is a real option, too. He played there against Qarabag after Frimpong went off injured and put in a decent showing.

Could he do it against a Premier League side? That's another question but given his recent outing there, Slot may fancy him.

The other option - and for us the clear preference - is Calvin Ramsay. He's the only natural right-back available and one who played very well against a strong Crystal Palace team in the Carabao Cup.

He's certainly earned the opportunity to play a Premier League fixture. Moreover, it would be a significant boost to the squad if he did prove an ability to play in the top flight.

Ramsay could essentially take over Bradley's spot in the squad, easing the burden on Szoboszlai and co. to cover multiple positions. That's surely the sensible option for Liverpool as they seek a stronger squad.

It's time to take the risk.

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