How can Jeremie Frimpong replace Trent Alexander-Arnold for Liverpool?

Liverpool have completed the signing of Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen to replace the outgoing Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Alexander-Arnold's departure has begged the question as to whether the right-back will prove irreplaceable, but it seems the Reds have identified Frimpong as the perfect replacement.

The Netherlands international, who played a key role in helping Bayer Leverkusen to achieve their maiden Bundesliga title in 2023/24, has signed a five-year deal with the Reds.

Utilised primarily as a right wing-back in Xabi Alonso's system, we take a look at how Jeremie Frimpong could replace Alexander-Arnold in Arne Slot's Liverpool side.

Jeremie Frimpong's and Trent Alexander-Arnold's similarities

Jeremie Frimpong and Trent Alexander-Arnold both possess a unique ability to unlock defences, albeit it in different manners.

While the Liverpudlian's passing range and pinpoint crossing ability has proved handy to Liverpool in recent years, it's Frimpong's blistering pace which allows him to get into positions to create chances.

While Alexander-Arnold has arguably played a more reserved role under Slot, in his earlier days under Jurgen Klopp he regularly found himself holding the width in an advanced position on the right, similarly to what we've seen from Frimpong at Bayer Leverkusen and when representing Netherlands.

Both Alexander-Arnold and Frimpong have exceptionally high standards when it comes to attacking output, with Frimpong having registered over 50 goal contributions in the Bundesliga and Trent holding the record for the most assists from a defender in Premier League history.

Jeremie Frimpong's and Trent Alexander-Arnold's differences

While it's Alexander-Arnold's technical attributes that stand out, it's Frimpong's physical attributes which make him unique to most full-backs worldwide.

Few players in the Premier League can pass a ball like Liverpool's number 66, but he doesn't quite possess the ability to better his opponent in one v one scenarios quite like Frimpong.

The Dutchman ranks in the top two percentile for progressive carries, while Alexander-Arnold ranks in the top 54 percentile. That said, Liverpool's current right-back ranks in the top one percentile for progressive passes, while Frimpong is in the top 97 percentile.

Staggering differences and glaringly different profiles. Liverpool's prospective new signing could prove just as effective should he be utilized in the right way.

Jeremie Frimpong's career so far

Previous clubs

Jeremie Frimpong's development started in England, joining Manchester City aged nine and kept in the youth setup until 2019.

The Dutchman signed a four-year deal with Scottish Premiership outfit Celtic in 2019, but would spend just two years at the club, joining Bayer Leverkusen in 2021 for an undisclosed fee.

Four years later, the attacking minded right-back is drawing up interest from Premier League champions Liverpool.

International caps

Of Ghanaian descent and eligible to play for England, Frimpong opted to play for Netherlands and is a regular in Ronald Koeman's squad selection.

Progressing through the ranks, playing for the nation's U19s, U20s and U21s, he was handed his national team debut on 13th October 2023 in a 2-1 loss against France.

How can Jeremie Frimpong replace Trent Alexander-Arnold?

In some ways, Alexander-Arnold is irreplaceable. No right-back in the world possesses his technical attributes, but Slot's pragmatic style of management means there will be other ways his right-back can prove impactful in creating chances.

Following the signing of Frimpong, we could see the Reds target a more defensive minded left-back, as opposed to someone like Milos Kerkez.

This would give the Dutchman license to provide width in more advanced position, while also allowing Mohamed Salah to occupy narrower positions where he can prove so effective.

Though Frimpong is more often than not credited for his ability to attack, his speed and recovery pace when his team are dispossessed is also impressive, potentially allowing the Reds to commit more men forward in hope that the right-back could improve defensive transitions.

Liverpool fans shouldn't expect a precise passer and technician in Frimpong, but a lively, willing and effective dribbler who should have no struggles adapting to the speed of the Premier League.