🏟️🥅Slot’s gamble with Szoboszlai at right back backfires: Alisson saved the team once, but couldn’t stop the penalty

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The Tactical Gamble by Arne Slot

 

Liverpool’s new manager, Arne Slot, has quickly gained a reputation for bold tactical experiments. In this Champions League clash against Galatasaray, he surprised many by shifting Dominik Szoboszlai, a natural attacking midfielder, into the right-back position.

 

At first glance, the move seemed puzzling:

 

Szoboszlai is admired for his vision, energy, and creativity in midfield.

 

However, he lacks the positional awareness and defensive instincts required to play as a fullback at the highest level.

 

 

Slot’s reasoning might have been based on Liverpool’s injury concerns or his desire to add more attacking thrust from the flanks. Managers sometimes move technical midfielders to fullback to help in ball progression—think of Pep Guardiola with João Cancelo or Zinchenko. But this particular gamble carried risks, especially against a Galatasaray side boasting speed and directness on the wings.

 

 

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Early Warning Signs

 

From the opening minutes, the danger of this experiment became clear. Galatasaray targeted the right side repeatedly, knowing Szoboszlai was not in his comfort zone. He was dragged wide, forced into one-on-one duels, and often looked uncertain about his positioning.

 

Around the 10th minute, Galatasaray nearly punished Liverpool:

 

A quick switch of play pulled Szoboszlai out of position.

 

Victor Osimhen and Yilmaz combined, and Osimhen found himself with a shooting opportunity.

 

Only a sharp, reflex save from Alisson Becker prevented Liverpool from falling behind early.

 

 

That save highlighted both Alisson’s brilliance and Szoboszlai’s vulnerability. It was a clear warning sign that Slot’s decision might backfire.

 

 

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The Penalty Incident

 

Unfortunately for Liverpool, the danger became reality just minutes later.

 

In the 15th minute, Kerem Yilmaz surged into the box down the left side, once again isolating Szoboszlai. The Hungarian tracked back with determination, but his defensive inexperience betrayed him. Instead of jockeying or guiding Yilmaz wide, he:

 

Tried to hold him off with his arm.

 

Misjudged the timing and caught Yilmaz across the face.

 

 

The referee, perfectly positioned, had no hesitation. He pointed to the penalty spot. VAR confirmed the decision, leaving Szoboszlai visibly frustrated. But the truth was undeniable—his lack of defensive know-how had cost Liverpool dearly.

 

 

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Alisson’s Role in the Drama

 

For a brief moment, Liverpool fans hoped their Brazilian wall might bail them out again. Alisson has a history of penalty saves and clutch moments in Europe. He had already kept them alive once earlier in the game.

 

But Victor Osimhen is not the type of striker to show mercy. Calm and ruthless, the Nigerian forward sent Alisson the wrong way, rolling the ball into the corner. The keeper guessed right but could do nothing—the placement was too precise.

 

Alisson looked visibly frustrated, slamming the turf afterward, as if to say: “I can’t do everything alone.”

 

 

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Why Slot’s Decision Backfired

 

1. Szoboszlai’s Strengths Misused:

His qualities—creativity, long-range passing, shooting—were wasted in a defensive role. Instead of dictating play in midfield, he was scrambling to defend.

 

 

2. Defensive Exposure:

Galatasaray smartly funneled their attacks through his side, knowing he was the weak link. It disrupted Liverpool’s defensive balance and put extra pressure on Alisson and Van Dijk.

 

 

3. Psychological Impact:

Conceding because of a tactical gamble can rattle a team. Liverpool players looked briefly disorganized, questioning whether the system was working.

 

 

4. Momentum Shift:

Istanbul is one of the hardest places to recover after conceding. The crowd’s eruption after Osimhen’s penalty made the stadium a cauldron of noise, amplifying the pressure on Liverpool.

 

 

 

 

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The Bigger Picture

 

Slot’s gamble may have been bold, but it backfired spectacularly. In high-stakes Champions League football, even small positional tweaks can have massive consequences. By playing Szoboszlai out of position, he not only weakened Liverpool defensively but also deprived the midfield of one of its driving forces.

 

Alisson’s first save was a reminder of why he’s one of the best goalkeepers in the world—his presence often masks Liverpool’s defensive lapses. But even he couldn’t stop the inevitable once Szoboszlai’s error handed Galatasaray the perfect chance from the spot.

 

 

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Final Reflection

 

In summary: Slot’s tactical risk turned into a costly mistake. Szoboszlai at right-back was exposed, Alisson could only do so much, and Osimhen punished Liverpool without hesitation. The decision highlighted the fine margins in football—sometimes risks bring brilliance, but in this case, it brought disaster.

 

The burning question now is: Will Slot learn from this gamble, or will his boldness continue to leave Liverpool vulnerable in Europe?

 

 

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