At the conclusion of the 2023-24 season, Bayer Leverkusen celebrated the unprecedented achievement of winning the Bundesliga title for the first time in their 120-year existence, while Jeremy Frimpong found himself eager to evade the spotlight.
The Dutch international, a key player in Leverkusen’s remarkable undefeated league journey (P34, W28, D6, L0), sought solace in the Tunnel of BayArena, attempting to sidestep the attention of manager Xabi Alonso and teammate Edmond Tapsoba. He turned to ESPN’s Bundesliga reporter, Archie Rindertatt, for comfort.
“Pardon the smell, it’s from the beer,” joked the wing-back as the cameras rolled. The ensuing four-minute interview captured widespread attention, with Frimpong’s infectious energy earning him acclaim throughout Germany. “Every time I spoke with him, he was always a bigger character than the situation,” Rindertatt remarked to ESPN. “He’s the kind of person who can hold the mic forever, just allowing him to speak.”
Beginning next season, Frimpong will take the field at Anfield, following Liverpool’s activation of his €35 million release clause from Leverkusen. The 24-year-old has signed a five-year contract with the Premier League champions, marking Arne Slot’s first summer acquisition. He steps into the right-back position, succeeding local icon Trent Alexander-Arnold.
“His speed is formidable.”
Liverpool is looking to fill the void left by Alexander-Arnold, who is anticipated to leave on a free transfer to Real Madrid when his contract ends. Since his debut in 2016, the 26-year-old has transformed the role of a right-back at the highest level, racking up over 350 appearances for Liverpool and securing eight major trophies.
Conor Bradley, another academy graduate, has impressed as a substitute for Alexander-Arnold during the last two seasons, and Liverpool showed their faith in the 21-year-old by signing him to a new four-year contract last week. However, with limited high-level experience, he will require support. Both Frimpong and Bradley are set to vie for a spot in the starting XI next season, but neither replicate Alexander-Arnold’s unique skill set.
“While Frimpong may not possess Alexander-Arnold’s relentless style with the ball or his talent for delivering line-breaking passes, he compensates with his ability to connect with teammates through early crosses and short passes into space.”
“At Liverpool, Frimpong’s instinct for quick attacks should align well with Slot’s preference for fast transitions. Consequently, his addition could lead to a slight shift towards a more direct playing style on the right flank, favoring quick counter-attacks over slower build-ups.”
Nonetheless, Frimpong fulfills many criteria that make him an appealing target for Liverpool, with his age, talent, and relatively modest transfer fee. His status as a “homegrown” player under UEFA regulations stems from his time at Manchester City’s academy since age nine, making him an intriguing option.
Indeed, Liverpool has had an eye on Frimpong for over a decade, having been one of several clubs interested during his youth career. Ultimately, he ended up at Manchester City’s training academy, which influenced his decision. The wing-back joined Celtic in September 2019 for £300,000.
At just 18, he made 51 appearances for the Scottish club, garnering significant praise in the 2019-20 season before transferring to Leverkusen for €4 million in January 2021.
“He’s got a lot to offer in upcoming matches,” Rindertatt remarked to ESPN. “He can pull off tricks. One time this season, he executed a move I specifically requested.”
“His speed is indeed a significant asset, aiding both his forward movements and ball recovery. He’s extremely tenacious when it comes to winning the ball back for his team.”
Clearly, Frimpong’s impressive performance has drawn the attention of several elite clubs across Europe, as he recorded 30 goals and 44 assists in 190 appearances for Leverkusen.
Frimpong primarily operates on the right flank within Alonso’s three-man defense and has thrived under the former Liverpool midfielder since his appointment in October 2022.
“From the moment I arrived, Jeremy has been a vital player for us and for me,” Alonso stated before last season’s Europa League final. “He’s a great individual, bringing a lot of joy to the locker room. It’s essential to keep that happiness in him, but he’s also matured significantly.”
Frimpong’s game evolved significantly under Alonso, yet there remains room for improvement. However, with Slot already assisting his fellow Dutch teammates, including Gakpo and Gravenberch, Liverpool coaches expect to enhance Frimpong’s skill set.
Insights from Experts
ESPN scout Tor-Kristian Karlsen analyzes the tactical aspects of Frimpong’s game.
Frimpong’s movement indicates a potentially exciting tactical shift under Slot. Unlike Alexander-Arnold’s more controlled, possession-focused style, the Dutch manager has opted for a more dynamic presence on the right side.
At Leverkusen, Frimpong excelled as a right wing-back in Alonso’s fluid 3-4-3 formation, which maximized the potential of attacking full-backs while easing defensive burdens. His statistics back this up: in addition to his speed, Frimpong is a top-tier dribbler, demonstrating composure and precision at high velocity.
He averages 4.6 touches per 90 minutes, often instinctively running beyond opposing full-backs, acting more like an auxiliary wide-forward than a traditional wing-back, frequently arriving perfectly for finishes or cutbacks.
Frimpong also has the ability to drift inside when underlapping runs occur, effectively exploiting the central space while the winger maintains width. This will be particularly advantageous against compact defenses.
Although Frimpong’s attacking prowess is evident, the challenge lies in balancing his aggressive offensive play with defensive duties. His high positioning was facilitated by Leverkusen’s three-man defense, allowing him to provide cover for the right center-back.
At Liverpool, adjustments may be necessary as Slot continues to implement a four-man defense. Perhaps a pivot midfielder will drop back, or the left-back might tuck in from the opposite side, forcing one center-back to adjust. Alternatively, Slot might depend on Frimpong’s exceptional recovery speed and awareness to mitigate risks.
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Laurens: Frimpong’s “ideal” replacement for Alexander-Arnold
Julien Laurens believes Jeremy Frimpong could be a fitting substitute for Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold with the reported move to Bayer Leverkusen.
Overcoming Doubts
While Alexander-Arnold’s playmaking abilities from the right-back position are unmatched, Frimpong has the potential to emerge as a formidable new asset for Liverpool.
In passing accuracy, Frimpong (84%) surpasses Alexander-Arnold (77.9%), and his tackle success rate (54.3% compared to 39.7%) for this season is noteworthy, though he makes similar passes in the final third (370 passes).
Alexander-Arnold’s creative advantages are evident with 45 key passes and 14 big chances created this season.
Although Frimpong might not replicate Alexander-Arnold’s sharp passing, Liverpool may need to search for a new creative playmaker within the team. Yet, Frimpong has consistently defied expectations and overcame initial skepticism from Dutch coach Ronald Koeman, establishing himself as a key figure on the national team.
In an interview with ESPN’s Goodmorning Eredivisie show last week, Koeman reflected on Frimpong’s abilities:
“I want all players to play football reflecting his qualities. It’s clear Liverpool will look to attack through their full-backs. Alexander-Arnold is also very offensive, but he needs to play inward more. He can’t afford to play more defensively at Leverkusen.”
With star player Mohamed Salah likely sidelined for a significant part of next season due to the Africa Cup starting on December 21st, Frimpong may even have the chance to assume a more advanced role during crucial periods, thanks to his tactical flexibility.
A Great Fit?
While it may take time for Frimpong to adjust to Slot’s tactics and the Premier League’s pace, the 24-year-old is poised to settle in comfortably at Merseyside. He will be joined by fellow Dutch players like Gakpo, Gravenberch, and club captain Virgil van Dijk, which should facilitate a smoother transition. Historically, however, integrating new signings into Slot’s Liverpool team has proven challenging.
“He possesses a playful vibe,” Rindertatt observes. “When he speaks, it feels like he’s casually leaning against a wall, sharing the latest gossip. He’s also genuinely personable. I wondered how many best friends he has!”
Anyone seeking insight into Frimpong’s character need look no further than a social media clip from the Dutch national team in March. In it, the defender greets his best friend and new Liverpool teammate Gravenberch, saying, “Is it alright, LA?”
Having already adapted to local dialects—and showcasing his status as one of the Bundesliga’s most thrilling talents—Frimpong and Liverpool could indeed prove to be the ideal match.
Fan Take: This news is significant for soccer enthusiasts as it marks the departure of one of Liverpool’s key players and the acquisition of a rising talent in Frimpong, potentially reshaping the dynamics of the team’s performance. As such transitions unfold, it could signal a new tactical era for Liverpool and bring a fresh playing style to the Premier League.
