Playmaker is Liverpool's new right-back, he is the one

An exciting playmaker could become Liverpool's new right-back, his latest actions have proved it.

Liverpool will need to keep exploring their options in the right-back market over the next few transfer windows, regardless of what happens with Conor Bradley.

There is plenty of hope that the Northern Ireland international can return to action and make a difference for the Reds again. However, the biggest question right now is when that will actually happen.

At this stage, a return to partial training after the November international break looks like a more realistic target. Even then, there is no guarantee that Bradley will immediately be ready to play competitive football. Getting back on the training pitch is one thing, but regaining full match fitness after an extended spell on the sidelines is another matter entirely.

Liverpool's big right-back issue

Realistically, Liverpool may have to wait until after the new year before they can properly count on their right-back again. That would put Bradley on a similar timeline to Hugo Ekitike, although the French forward is reportedly targeting a slightly earlier comeback, potentially as soon as Boxing Day in December.

Bradley's return would undoubtedly provide a significant boost. When fit, he has the energy, aggression and defensive intensity to suit Andoni Iraola's demanding style of football. His ability to get forward and contribute in possession also makes him an important option for Liverpool.

However, there is a bigger issue that the club simply cannot afford to ignore. Bradley has struggled with injuries throughout his time at Anfield, and Liverpool cannot continue building their plans around the assumption that he will be available whenever they need him.

The right-back position has already been an area of concern for some time, and another prolonged absence would only reinforce the need for reinforcements.

Dominik Szoboszlai can be Liverpool's new right-back

The easy solution to combat concerns over Bradley is to make the Hungarian the Reds' right-back.

It was a chaotic performance from Szoboszlai against Arsenal at the weekend. He was coming back from an injury which will have had an impact on his performance.

However, there is no denying that he just hasn't looked comfortable in Andoni Iraola's midfield double pivot.

The most comfortable he has looked in a Liverpool shirt was when he was playing out on the wings as a right-back. It's why he was voted the club's Player of the Season during the 2025/26 campaign because he spent a long chuck on his campaign playing there.

Szoboszlai's cameo against Arsenal only just confirmed this notion once again. The playmaker's best position is at right-back. His future is clearly at Anfield considering he is on a long-term deal. Which is why everyone should just embrace him being the Reds' new right-back.