Jeremie Frimpong debut analysed – Liverpool can forget about Alexander-Arnold
Liverpool’s right-back position has been a huge topic of debate this summer.
Trent Alexander-Arnold departed Liverpool for a new adventure with Real Madrid after spending 20 years with his boyhood club.
That left Conor Bradley as the only senior option until Jeremie Frimpong was signed for £30million from Bayer Leverkusen.
The Northern Irishman is out injured, so Frimpong made his Premier League debut in the 4-2 win against Bournemouth on Friday.
Frimpong underwhelming in attack for Liverpool
Frimpong is one of the most offensive defenders in world football, but his contributions let him down in Liverpool’s opener, in terms of statistics.
The former Manchester City and Celtic ace failed to create a single chance, did not take a single touch in the opposition area and made just one pass into the final third.
However, that does not tell the full story, as the threat that he provided allowed Mohamed Salah to have more space on the right flank.
His overlapping runs dragged defenders away from the Egyptian, and that could be a huge asset for Slot going forward.
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How did Frimpong defend against Bournemouth?
Alexander-Arnold was often criticised for his defensive abilities, or lack thereof, during his time as Liverpool’s starting right-back.
The fear was the same about Frimpong, as he is known to be a very attacking full-back, but there was little to worry about when the Reds did not have the ball for the 24-year-old.
The Reds missed his recovery pace when he was replaced just before the hour mark, and it may have played a factor in the Cherries’ comeback.
The Dutchman recorded the highest top speed in the contest, at 22mph, allowing him to get back after his exploits further up the pitch.
It was an encouraging display from a defensive standpoint, as the former Leverkusen man made two clearances, one interception and one recovery.
He also won three out of four ground duels, for a 75 per cent success rate, suggesting that the Reds have upgraded on the Real Madrid star.
| Stats | Frimpong |
| Top speed | 22mph |
| Recoveries | 1 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Clearances | 2 |
| Ground duels won | 3/4 (75%) |
The verdict
It was a solid first display from Frimpong.
He was a presence when Slot’s side went forward, despite a lack of contributions, and should help Salah out massively as the campaign progresses.
Meanwhile, in terms of his defending, he excelled and may have left the doubters in the dust.
It looks like the Reds will not be missing Alexander-Arnold anytime soon.
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