By Michael Davey
New Liverpool signing Jeremie Frimpong has stated that he is confident of filling the “big shoes” left by departing Reds legend Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The 24-year-old recently cost the Premier League champions a reported £29.5 million (€35m), with Arne Slot moving for the Bayer Leverkusen right wing-back after Alexander-Arnold confirmed his intention to join Real Madrid upon the expiration of his contract.
Frimpong eyeing TAA’s ‘big shoes’
With Alexander-Arnold having departed, it is now up to Frimpong to fill an important role on the right-hand side of Slot’s team, which is something he is clearly confident about.
“It’s big shoes, but it’s Liverpool – it’s a big team who win trophies for a reason,” he said.
“If you play for Liverpool, you have to fill in the shoes and perform. I’ve always believed in myself. I’m a winner. That’s what I’ll bring.
“I know what being a champion is like at Bayer Leverkusen, so joining a champion team is a privilege, especially for Liverpool. To go from watching them to playing for them is crazy.
“The manager has told me how I can help the team and he really likes me as a player. It’s given me extra motivation and belief.”
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Dutchman to ‘transform’ Reds attack
Sports journalist Peter Smith has predicted that the acquisition of Frimpong will lead to a transformation of Liverpool’s already elite attacking set-up.
“Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jeremie Frimpong are among the top players in their positions in world football, but they’re very different players with very different styles. The Dutchman could transform [Liverpool’s] attacking game plan,” Smith told Sky Sports.
“While Alexander-Arnold is renowned for his array of passing, putting his team-mates into dangerous positions with his balls into the box or crossfield deliveries, Frimpong progresses his team up the pitch with his running and carrying of the ball.
“The stats illustrate the point, with the comparison between the through-balls and take-ons made by the two players over the past two seasons notable. Alexander-Arnold has made 16 through-balls in this period, Frimpong just two. Yet, the Dutchman has attempted 168 take-ons, Alexander-Arnold just 82.”
Regarding Frimpong’s integration into Slot’s title-winning side, Smith said: “How would he need to adapt his role at Liverpool is an interesting question. Mohamed Salah has spoken about how Slot has relieved him of many defensive duties. So if Frimpong were to run into those right-wing areas, could Salah drift into a more central role?
“With Alexander-Arnold leaving, Liverpool will need to adapt. And Frimpong provides them the opportunity to play in a different way as they look to defend their Premier League crown next season.”
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