Liverpool’s Right-Back Revolution: Frimpong vs. Bradley — The Battle for Anfield’s Most Hotly Contested Spot

A High-Stakes Duel Emerges on Liverpool’s Right

Liverpool’s right-back position has quickly become one of the most compelling storylines of the 2025/26 season. The signing of Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen has added a fresh layer of intrigue to a role that was once dominated by Trent Alexander-Arnold. Now, with the emergence of Conor Bradley, a homegrown talent who impressed last season with maturity beyond his years, Liverpool face a fascinating internal competition. Both players bring contrasting qualities to the table, and neither has yet started alongside the other at Anfield. This sets the stage for a high-stakes battle that could well define Liverpool’s tactical identity this year.

Jeremie Frimpong: Speed, Flair, and Explosive Attacking Power

Jeremie Frimpong arrives at Liverpool carrying a reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting wing-backs. His performances in the Bundesliga demonstrated an exceptional blend of blistering pace, aggressive pressing, and a fearless attacking mindset. At Bayer Leverkusen, he made his mark not just with his speed but also with his willingness to take on defenders one-on-one, consistently stretching defensive lines with his direct dribbling and relentless forward runs. Last season, Frimpong contributed nine goals and seven assists, figures that underline his threat in the final third. In Arne Slot’s system, which demands high pressing and vertical attacking play, Frimpong fits naturally as a player who can act as both an outlet and a weapon on the right flank. However, his attacking instincts sometimes lead him to gamble defensively, occasionally exposing space behind him when he pushes too far forward or commits aggressively in duels.

Conor Bradley: Composed, Reliable, and Tactical Intelligence

In contrast, Conor Bradley offers a different set of attributes that Liverpool will find equally valuable. As a product of the club’s academy, Bradley has steadily built a reputation for composure, intelligent positioning, and defensive reliability. When given opportunities last season, he impressed by maintaining solid shape and rarely being caught out of position. His tactical flexibility allows him to adjust to various in-game scenarios, whether that means tucking inside to support the midfield or staying wider to maintain defensive balance. Unlike Frimpong’s explosive style, Bradley approaches the role with a measured and calculated temperament. His passing and ball control are mature for his age, and he contributes consistent defensive cover while still supporting offensive plays. While he may not provide the same level of direct attacking threat as Frimpong, Bradley’s dependability and stamina make him an indispensable asset in Liverpool’s campaign to balance attack with defensive solidity.

Contrasting Styles: What Liverpool Gains and Risks

The battle between Frimpong and Bradley thus becomes a question of what Liverpool prioritizes on the right side of the pitch. Selecting Frimpong as the starter means adding speed, unpredictability, and a constant threat to stretch opponents. His ability to break forward at pace and arrive late in dangerous areas injects a level of dynamism Liverpool’s right flank has lacked since Trent Alexander-Arnold’s role began evolving into midfield. Yet, this comes with inherent risks. Frimpong’s occasional defensive lapses and positional gambles require midfielders and center-backs to cover more ground, which may leave the defense vulnerable against quick counters.

On the other hand, starting Bradley provides Liverpool with greater defensive discipline and tactical consistency. His reliable positioning reduces the risk of being exposed on transitions, and his calmness under pressure helps Liverpool maintain structure. However, this steadiness might come at the cost of offensive explosiveness, with Bradley generally less likely to contribute goals or create dangerous chances compared to Frimpong. The coaching staff faces the challenge of balancing these trade-offs, especially in a demanding season that includes Premier League and European commitments.

Arne Slot’s Tactical Flexibility: Managing the Competition

Arne Slot’s tactical flexibility offers Liverpool a way to navigate this internal competition without committing to a fixed hierarchy from the outset. Slot, known for his adaptive approach, may choose to rotate Frimpong and Bradley based on opponent, game situation, or tactical demands. For example, in high-stakes away matches where defensive stability is paramount, Bradley could earn the nod as the more conservative choice. In games where Liverpool look to overwhelm the opposition and push aggressively, Frimpong’s attacking impetus may be the deciding factor. Additionally, Slot might employ in-game substitutions to shift between the two, using their contrasting strengths to respond dynamically to changing match conditions.

Though both players offer differing skill sets, neither has yet been fielded together, so questions remain about whether Slot might experiment with formations that incorporate both — perhaps a back three with Bradley providing defensive cover and Frimpong pushing further forward as a wing-back. While this concept is untested at Liverpool, it echoes strategies Slot successfully used in previous coaching roles, adding another layer of possibility to how the competition could unfold.

Mental and Physical Pressures Off the Ball

Beyond the tactical considerations, the mental and physical pressures on both players will be significant. Frimpong arrives with high expectations attached to his transfer fee and the promise of instant impact. Meanwhile, Bradley carries the weight of proving that a homegrown talent can hold his ground against a high-profile new signing. Both will need to maintain peak fitness and demonstrate consistent performances to stake their claim over a season that will test their durability. Moreover, adapting to Slot’s demanding style, which requires both defensive diligence and offensive contribution, will be critical for either player to secure the position.

Implications for Liverpool’s Season

The outcome of this battle holds considerable implications for Liverpool’s season. The right-back role has long been a creative hub for the team, and whichever player emerges as the starter will influence not just the defensive shape but also the attacking patterns. A Frimpong-led flank could inject more goals and directness into Liverpool’s play, while a Bradley selection would likely bolster defensive resilience and tactical discipline - either decision will have a massive impact on how their midfielders interact with the right side.

Fans should expect this competition to be closely watched through the early months of the campaign. Performances in pre-season, early Premier League matches, and cup fixtures will likely inform Arne Slot’s selections. The contest promises to push both Frimpong and Bradley to elevate their games, offering Liverpool a unique tactical advantage and depth in a critical position.

A Battle to Drive Liverpool Forward

Liverpool’s decision to sign Jeremie Frimpong, rather than relying solely on Conor Bradley, signals ambition and a desire to refresh the squad’s energy on the flanks. This battle for the right-back spot is no mere formality — it is a duel that will drive the team forward and test the resilience and adaptability of two very different players.

As the season unfolds, the question remains: who will win the right to patrol Liverpool’s right flank? The answer will be written on the pitch, where speed, intelligence, and consistency will ultimately decide the victor in one of the Premier League’s most exciting positional showdowns.