No Commentson It’s already clear who is winning the battle to be Liverpool’s starting right-back next season – opinion
Liverpool are heading back to Merseyside after completing their Far East tour with a win over Yokohama F. Marinos on Wednesday
Slot’s Right-Back Dilemma is Taking Shape
Frimpong makes his case as Bradley aims to hold his ground
Liverpool’s pre-season tour of Asia has had no shortage of storylines. From Hugo Ekitike getting minutes in the front line to Florian Wirtz lighting up the midfield, fans have been given plenty to talk about.
But as Arne Slot begins to shape his side for the new campaign, one decision looms larger than most — who replaces Trent Alexander-Arnold?
After Trent’s blockbuster move to Real Madrid, a huge void has opened up on the right side of Liverpool’s defence. Jeremie Frimpong was brought in to help fill it, while Conor Bradley remains a strong internal option.
Three games into pre-season, and the battle between both players is already heating up. But slowly, the picture is becoming clearer.
Frimpong has made quite the impression. Though often deployed higher up the pitch — like in the first half against AC Milan — he’s more than capable of dropping into a traditional right-back role. That’s exactly what he did on Wednesday, coming on after Bradley’s solid first-half display.
And Frimpong didn’t just look sharp — he changed the game. He was electric going forward, creating chances, and his assist for Trey Nyoni’s goal was the standout moment of the match.
That alone won’t win him the shirt, but it was another reminder of what he offers. Dangerous in attack, responsible in defence, Frimpong has quietly been one of Liverpool’s most consistent performers this summer.
Still, it’s not a done deal.
Conor Bradley remains firmly in contention — and may even start the season as first choice. Slot could opt for familiarity in the opening weeks, easing the transition post-Trent. Bradley understands the system, and he’s looked confident in every appearance.
At 22, though, he’s still developing. And while he’s tidy and disciplined, he lacks the explosiveness that makes Frimpong such a unique threat.
The good news? Liverpool have time. And more importantly, they have options.
This won’t be a simple winner-takes-all situation. Slot will need both players across a long, demanding season. But if form continues to tilt the way it has in pre-season, Frimpong might not be waiting long to take over full-time.
Bradley still has the chance to shift the narrative before the season starts — but as of now, the pressure is on.