Jeremie Frimpong Shocks Fans with Unexpected Starting Role in Liverpool's Pre-Season Clash
Liverpool's new summer acquisition Jeremie Frimpong made a strong impression during a behind-closed-doors pre-season match against Stoke City this week, with social media buzzing about his display in an unfamiliar role.
The former Bayer Leverkusen player joined Liverpool during the summer transfer window as a replacement for departing Trent Alexander-Arnold. Having operated primarily as a wing-back under Xabi Alonso's system in Germany, Frimpong was viewed as a suitable successor to Alexander-Arnold in completing the defensive quartet alongside Milos Kerkez. While the Dutch international brings different qualities compared to his predecessor, his explosive speed makes him a constant danger along the right side. This attribute led Arne Slot to test him in a more advanced position during the Stoke encounter.
Reports suggest Frimpong was deployed on the flank with Conor Bradley providing support from behind, with supporters highlighting their effective combination play. His velocity continues to generate discussion, particularly given the growing trend of overlapping speedy full-backs following Paris Saint-Germain's successful campaign last term.
The Reds secured a commanding 5–0 victory in the match at their AXA training facility. The Frimpong-Kerkez partnership could potentially mirror the success of Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi as Premier League clubs may shift away from traditional, rigid four-defender formations.
Additionally, there's potential for Frimpong to provide attacking cover later in the campaign when Mohamed Salah departs for Egypt's Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) duties. This mid-season competition has previously impacted Liverpool's squad depth, but their defensive recruit might temporarily transform into an offensive asset.
Frimpong faces significant expectations, whether potentially covering for Salah in the future or establishing himself in the defensive role he was recruited for. Alexander-Arnold, despite his controversial departure among the fanbase, served as an inspirational figure for years under Jürgen Klopp's guidance.
The onus is on Frimpong to adequately step into Alexander-Arnold's role as Liverpool seeks to retain their Premier League crown and achieve greater European success. Their encounter with the PSG powerhouse disrupted their Champions League aspirations. Defeats to Newcastle United and Plymouth Argyle ended their Carabao Cup and FA Cup journeys respectively, though claiming England's premier trophy provided an excellent foundation for Slot's era, considering Klopp's lengthy battle to overcome Pep Guardiola.
The Dutch tactician's progress and his ability to maximize the potential of his new signings, including Frimpong, Kerkez and German talent Florian Wirtz, will determine whether he proves to be a brief success or the Premier League's next elite manager.