Jamie Carragher has identified a major problem in Liverpool's squad after Dominik Szoboszlai played at right-back against Nottingham Forest. The former defender believes the club's transfer activity this summer created a defensive 'mess' that manager Andoni Iraola must now solve.
Carragher pointed to Liverpool's failure to recruit specialist full-backs as a critical error. This has left the squad short in defence, particularly with Conor Bradley injured and Jeremie Frimpong struggling for form. The situation was compounded by Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure to Real Madrid last summer.
Dominik Szoboszlai, the club's 25-year-old vice-captain and reigning Player of the Season, found himself deployed at right-back during the second half of Saturday's 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest. This is not entirely new for the Hungarian midfielder, who filled in sporadically in that position last season. However, his new £350,000-a-week contract signed this summer shows his importance as a creative force in the centre of the park.
Carragher highlighted this tactical shift as symptomatic of a wider issue. "The big thing he (Iraola) has got, and it happened last season and at the weekend, Szoboszlai went back to right-back," the pundit said. With Liverpool sitting 13th in the Premier League after two draws, the search for solutions is urgent. The team has four points from a possible six and a goal difference of zero, having scored and conceded four goals.
Liverpool were active in the transfer market but, in Carragher's view, addressed the wrong areas. The club's most expensive acquisition was Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain for £123 million. They also signed Victor Munoz from Osasuna for £34.5 million and made Jeremy Jacquet's loan move permanent. A loan deal for Ronald Araujo was completed, and left-back Kerkez arrived for £40 million after his first season at the club.
Despite this spending, the right-back position was not strengthened with a dedicated signing. This leaves Iraola with limited options as he prepares for Friday's trip to face newly-promoted Ipswich Town at Portman Road.
The early stutter has left Liverpool four points behind early leaders Manchester City in the title race. Finding a first win of the campaign against 12th-placed Ipswich is now a priority. The defensive uncertainty could impact the team's ability to build momentum.
Carragher's criticism was stark, labelling the summer strategy a 'massive transfer mistake'. His comments were echoed by fellow pundit Gary Neville, who reportedly stated, "I'm stunned,' reflecting on Liverpool's transfer window." The team's current standings position reflects the challenging start.
The immediate fix is not straightforward. Iraola may have to continue using Szoboszlai or other midfielders in defence until January, or hope for a return to form from existing squad members. The manager's next team selection will be closely watched, especially with key players listed on our injuries page.
Liverpool's next match is away to Ipswich Town on September 4th, 2026. A positive result is needed to kickstart their Premier League campaign and address the concerns raised about their squad depth in defence.
