As Liverpool prepare to face Brighton in the Premier League on Sunday, Andoni Iraola may have hinted at a surprise selection in his starting lineup.

The Reds face a crucial game at Anfield, taking on a Seagulls side that have purred this season, arguably playing the most attractive football in the division.

Iraola still has decisions to make with his starting XI against Brighton, and speaking to the media, he hinted that Ryan Gravenberch could play at right-back because of his versatility, having been used there sporadically this season:

“I think if you ask me what is the position that I feel like suits better to him, I think he’s like a number eight for me. But he’s a player that can do a job, obviously, because we’ve seen it as a number six. He won the league by playing there.

“I think he can do a job playing as a right-back, like the other day. In certain scenarios, it probably is going to cost him, but as a number 10 also I think he can do a job. He has played also – we haven’t tried it ourselves – but in past seasons as a centre-back. In certain moments, he could do a good job.

“For me, he’s very valuable. This versatility in the players is very valuable, because in this schedule we have you are going to need help somewhere always. Now he’s in the right-back position.

“Now that we lost [Jeremie] Frimpong and obviously we have the situation with Conor Bradley. In three months it can be in another position and to have players like Ryan that are comfortable putting in three or four different positions for me is a big help.”

Will Ryan Gravenberch start at right-back vs. Brighton?

It would be a surprise if Gravenberch was used at right-back against Brighton, even though his versatile nature allows him to be a solid option there.

Ronald Araujo continues to do an excellent job in that role, and his defensive solidity will be needed against a Seagulls team who could pose plenty of threat.

There is also the fact that Gravenberch is needed in Liverpool’s midfield, given Dominik Szoboszlai’s absence through injury, with Trey Nyoni still a young player learning his trade who arguably isn’t ready to start a game of much magnitude.

Gravenberch will surely partner Alexis Mac Allister in the double pivot, with Florian Wirtz continuing in the No.10 role and looking to carry on his improved form of late.

Rio Ngumoha was electric in Tuesday’s 4-3 win at home to Villarreal in the Champions League, and is expected to be on the right wing again, with Bradley Barcola passed fit and favourite to be on the left flank ahead of Cody Gakpo.

Alexander Isak will then lead the line, with the Swede the only Reds player to have scored in the first half of a league game this season, coming twice in the 2-0 win away to Ipswich Town.

Three points would feel significant for Liverpool, but they will have to play well to earn them.