“The Number One Job.” – Dutch Expert On Priorities For Key Position Under Arne Slot | OneFootball

By Priya Kaur

After the news of Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving, one of the most pressing questions surrounds the right-back position.

Long defined by the creativity and unique playmaking of Trent, the role is up for re-evaluation, both due to tactical shifts and uncertainty about his future.

In another Expert Insight, Dutch football journalist for This is Anfield, Joe Baker, offered a valuable view into what Liverpool fans can expect and why the right-back position might be in for a quiet revolution.

Arne Slot is known for his progressive style of play, but when it comes to fullbacks, he prioritises defensive solidity over flair. Unlike Jurgen Klopp, whose system allowed right-backs to operate as midfielders in possession, Slot demands traditional fullback principles with added versatility.

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“Attacking is important, but the number one job for a ‘Slot’ fullback is to be strong defensively”, Joe explained.

When asked the ideal attributes for a ‘Slot’ fullback, Joe addressed the expectation to contribute going forward, but with tactical discipline.

“They need to be aggressive, mobile, good on the ball and ideally be able to cover a second position”

This is because players in the squad have the “tactical know-how” to play in more than one position, as seen when Ryan Gravenberch dropped into a centre-back position against Fulham.

Compared to Klopp’s approach, Slot offers a more balanced deployment. “Under Jurgen, the fullbacks would often be very high with a build-up phase at the back. Slot prefers, yes, a still higher and more advanced, but more like a traditional right-back and ability to make under and overlapping runs”

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Trent has denied the right-back role at Liverpool in a way few players have for any club. But under Arne, his role seems to be coming to an end.

“The use of Trent under Slot is fascinating – we’ve seen a lot from the player, him being the supply line and creative force.”

“I don’t think there will be a direct replacement for Trent, as he is so unique. It is going to require a change in perception of what a Liverpool fullback does because he has been such a unique player for the club for so many years.”

Conor Bradley has emerged as a potential heir to the position, impressing with a traditional fullback skillset. However, his fitness record raises concerns about whether he can play the role over a demanding season.

“I am not sure he will be Liverpool’s number one next season. Although he fits Slot’s system, his injuries may hinder his development.”

Bradley had an impressive run with Bolton Wanderers- something Joe said needed to be replicated at Liverpool.

“If Slot truly thinks Bardley is right for the position, I would train up someone younger/around the same age as him to compete. If Arne doesn’t see him as the first choice, bring in someone more established.”

Injuries to both Trent and Bardley this season have forced the Reds to get creative, with midfielders and centre-backs stepping in when needed.

For example, when Curtis Jones and Jarell Quansah stepped in throughout this campaign, or when James McConnell filled in vs Plymouth.

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Some names linked with a move don’t seem likely in Joe’s eyes, one of the most notable ones being Jeremy Frimpong.

Labelled as “not a viable option”, Frimpong has played the last two seasons under Xabi Alonso as a right-winger in a Salah-like position, and Joe stated, “signing him would have adverse impacts on other parts of the squad.”

Another name in the spotlight is Milos Kerkez, an absolute powerhouse as he “likes to push very high up the pitch”. However, Joe was cautious on a potential negative impact defensively because of Kerkez’s offensive nature.

Feyenoord’s Givairo Read is “too inexperienced and would be an underwhelming move.”

And lastly, Tino Livramento from Newcastle; “he is a quality player, but Newcastle wouldn’t sell unless Liverpool overspent, which doesn’t make financial sense, coming off the contract renewal of Mohamed Salah and potentially Virgil van Dijk.”

A highlight of recommended targets for Joe is Pedro Porro.

“He has improved quite a lot and looks pretty good offensively and defensively as well as offensively.”

“He is similar to Trent in terms of creative output and progression; he can tuck in, which is excellent for Salah playing out wide.”

“He has got faults, but is someone who Slot can develop a lot.”

Joe suggested that if the Reds “really wanted to go for it”, Barcelona’s Jules Kounde would be a great fit.

“Geertruida at Feyenoord was vital under Slot- Kounde can do that. And, maybe Barcelona’s financial situation will make him available in the summer if Liverpool tests the waters.”

After the manager of Flamengo, Filipe Luis, admitted that Wesley Franca would be leaving the club this summer, Joe addressed the potential of his move to Liverpool, claiming that his “attacking output is good, but he needs to improve defensively.”

However, an option from Frieburg, Kiliann Sildillia, is “a lot stronger than Franca defensively and can also play further forward in a three.”

Perhaps a more niche name, Vanderson, currently playing for Monaco, was viewed as a rising star by Joe, “playing a good all-round game defensively and offensively. His pass accuracy in League One is 78% and his tackling around 71%”, highlighting a match for Slot.

And last, but certainly not least, Neco Williams- a name that still excites Reds. His campaign at Nottingham Forest has been spectacular.

It seems like a no-brainer as he has “Come from the academy, is proven in the Premier League, and is one of the best fullbacks in the League this season.”

Williams also has tons of energy and doesn’t stop running, which is what Sot would definitely love. “He would not be stupidly expensive and knows the club well.”

Joe believes that Liverpool should remain strategic in their approach for a right-back as there “are not many quality options available on the market as of right now, and it wouldn’t be sensible to spend big as potential priorities are the positions of striker and left-back.”

But, whoever comes in will need to reflect mobility, discipline and flexibility every week as Liverpool look to reshape the right-back role to match a new philosophy.