Liverpool has quickly secured Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen for £29.5 million to strengthen their right-back position. The 24-year-old Dutchman arrives with a strong reputation, having played a key role in Leverkusen’s unbeaten domestic double in 2023/24 under Xabi Alonso. Known for his pace, attacking flair, and versatility, Frimpong adds a fresh dimension to Liverpool’s right flank. Frimpong’s arrival marks the end of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s reign at right-back, bringing speed, energy, and attacking threat. His arrival marks the end of Trent Alexander-Arnold's reign in that position, with Frimpong set to bring speed and energy to the team. This article explores how he fits into Liverpool's system and what his signing means for the squad's future.

Liverpool has made an astute move in securing Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen for £29.5 million, activating his release clause and marking the start of an exciting new chapter for the right-back position. After three-and-a-half successful seasons in the Bundesliga, Frimpong arrives as a highly regarded talent, having contributed immensely to Leverkusen’s historic unbeaten domestic double under Xabi Alonso in the 2023/24 season. The Dutch international’s arrival is a crucial one for Liverpool, filling the sizeable void left by Trent Alexander-Arnold, but it’s important to note that the two players bring distinct skill sets to the table.

The Style of Play: A New Dynamic on the Right Flank

While Frimpong’s acquisition is primarily viewed as a replacement for Alexander-Arnold, the comparison between the two players reveals that Frimpong doesn’t simply mirror the outgoing right-back’s attributes. Alexander-Arnold has long been the architect of Liverpool’s attack from right-back, known for his ability to dictate play with his passing range and vision, often dropping deeper into midfield to control the tempo of matches. Frimpong, on the other hand, brings a vastly different approach.

Frimpong’s most glaring strength is his pace. A dynamic runner with the ball, Frimpong is renowned for his ability to burst down the right flank and create chaos in the final third. Last season at Leverkusen, he recorded a staggering 109 long progressive carries, which highlights his ability to drive the team forward with speed and power. This contrasts with Alexander-Arnold’s more composed, deep-lying role, where he averaged just 63 progressive carries.

In terms of positioning, Frimpong’s heatmap closely mirrors that of Mohamed Salah, spending a significant amount of time further up the pitch, akin to a winger rather than a traditional full-back. His attacking contributions are also impressive; he scored five goals and assisted six in just 33 Bundesliga appearances last season. With 16 shots on target, Frimpong was the most prolific shot-taking full-back in the league. His dribbling ability (0.97 successful dribbles per 90 minutes) and his dangerous movements in the opponent's box (4.53 touches in the box per 90) will bring a new attacking dimension to Liverpool’s right side.

However, Frimpong is not merely a forward-thinking full-back; he also contributes to the team’s overall playmaking. Last season, he created 30 chances in the Bundesliga, proving that he can combine his forward runs with effective delivery into the box. His ability to pick out teammates in dangerous areas will be key for Liverpool, especially when working alongside Salah, whose inverted runs are likely to draw defenders away, creating space for Frimpong to exploit.

Adapting to Arne Slot's Tactical System

Arne Slot, Liverpool's new manager, is known for his tactical discipline and his ability to adapt systems based on his players' strengths. While Slot's tactics have often employed more traditional full-backs in the past, Frimpong’s profile suggests that Slot might use him in a more flexible and dynamic role, especially when Liverpool needs to add an extra layer of attacking threat.

The primary difference in Slot’s tactical approach compared to Jürgen Klopp’s is a more controlled defensive system, with full-backs playing narrower and deeper than in Klopp’s high-pressing style. Frimpong’s speed and dynamism will offer Liverpool a different kind of width on the right side. His pace could be crucial in wide areas, stretching opposition defences and allowing Liverpool’s forwards to find more space in the final third. This tactical flexibility could see Frimpong becoming an important outlet in matches where Liverpool needs to break down well-organised defences.

Interestingly, Frimpong’s versatility will allow Slot to experiment with different attacking shapes. For example, if Liverpool needs a more direct approach, Frimpong’s ability to overlap Salah or cut inside could create dangerous situations. With Salah’s tendency to drift centrally, Frimpong could either stretch the play on the flank or make well-timed runs into the box to finish or assist, adding an extra attacking threat.

Frimpong's Defensive Capabilities: A Robust Yet Adaptable Full-Back

While Frimpong’s attacking prowess has been widely praised, there are questions about his ability to perform defensively at the highest level, particularly in the Premier League. During his time at Leverkusen, he primarily played in a wing-back role, where his defensive duties were somewhat limited compared to a traditional full-back. However, despite this, his defensive statistics are solid. Frimpong won 75.8% of his tackles last season, ranking him among the top 10% of full-backs in the Bundesliga. His work in winning possession in the final third (0.81 times per 90) shows that he has the tenacity and awareness to disrupt opposition attacks.

Nevertheless, Frimpong’s defensive game is not without flaws. He has been dribbled past 0.5 times per 90 minutes, which places him in the lower percentile compared to top-level full-backs. Furthermore, his aerial duels, where he wins just 30% of the time, are an area of concern, especially in the physically demanding Premier League. These deficiencies in his defensive game will need to be addressed for him to thrive at Liverpool, where the opposition is often more direct and dangerous on the wings.

Slot’s tactical approach, however, may suit Frimpong's attributes. The high-pressing system employed by Liverpool will see Frimpong press high up the pitch, where his speed and dynamism will be crucial. His ability to chase back and apply pressure on the opposition when they regain possession could prove vital in ensuring that Liverpool's defensive lines remain compact and balanced. His attacking contributions will also help to ease the burden on Liverpool's central defenders and the left-back position, where Andy Robertson will continue to provide experience and defensive stability.

Competition with Conor Bradley: The Fight for the Right-Back Spot

Conor Bradley, who has been Alexander-Arnold’s understudy for the past few years, is another player who will be vying for the starting right-back spot. At just 21 years old, Bradley is a more traditional full-back, known for his defensive strength and work ethic. His recent contract extension highlights the faith Liverpool has in him, and he will be determined to prove that he is more than capable of stepping into Alexander-Arnold’s shoes.

Frimpong’s arrival doesn’t automatically guarantee him a starting role; rather, it introduces healthy competition within the squad. While Frimpong brings far more attacking flair, Bradley is more defensively solid, making him an ideal option for more conservative matches where Liverpool needs to rely on structure and balance. The two will likely rotate early on, with Frimpong potentially taking up a more prominent role when Liverpool requires added offensive output.

The Long-Term Vision: Frimpong's Role in Liverpool’s Future

Looking beyond the immediate future, Frimpong's arrival signals a shift in Liverpool’s tactical approach under Slot. While Alexander-Arnold was a unique hybrid of full-back and playmaker, Frimpong offers a more traditional full-back who can provide width, pace, and attacking dynamism on the right side. In many ways, Frimpong represents a new dimension in Liverpool’s attacking play—a player who can stretch opposition defences with his pace and offer an additional goal threat.

Over time, as Van Dijk’s Dutch colleague adapts to Liverpool’s system, it is likely that he will evolve into a key player for the team. His work ethic, speed, and attacking contributions will complement Salah's playstyle, creating a potent right-wing partnership that can devastate opposition defences. While Alexander-Arnold’s passing range will be sorely missed, Frimpong’s direct approach offers something different—a player who can stretch the opposition in ways that his predecessor couldn’t.