Liverpool’s pursuit of one other Premier League title stays the quick focus, however behind the scenes, preparations for the summer season switch window are already taking form. In response to , Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong has emerged as a possible goal, with a launch clause of £33.7 million set to make the Dutch worldwide an attainable signing.
Frimpong as an Various to Alexander-Arnold?
With Trent Alexander-Arnold’s contract set to run out in June, hypothesis over his future looms massive. The vice-captain is but to decide to contemporary phrases, leaving Liverpool with a major choice to make. Ought to Alexander-Arnold depart, reinforcements at right-back can be important.
Conor Bradley has impressed when given alternatives, however accidents have restricted his influence this season. The 21-year-old stays a promising expertise, but Liverpool could favor a extra established choice to make sure defensive stability. That is the place Frimpong enters the dialog.
The Leverkusen full-back has thrived beneath Xabi Alonso, contributing 4 objectives and eleven assists to date this season. Nevertheless, his expertise predominantly is available in a wing-back position inside a 3-4-2-1 system, elevating questions on his suitability for a standard again 4.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Frimpong’s Sport
Frimpong’s attacking intent is unquestionable, sharing similarities with Alexander-Arnold in his forward-thinking strategy. The Dutchman’s tempo and direct operating have made him a key outlet for Leverkusen, usually discovering himself in superior positions to affect the ultimate third. But, defensively, he stays a piece in progress. His means to transition into Liverpool’s tactical framework, notably in a standard right-back position, would require adjustment.
Passing vary is one other space the place Alexander-Arnold’s qualities far exceed Frimpong’s. The Liverpool star has lengthy been considered top-of-the-line passers within the sport, orchestrating assaults from deep with pinpoint accuracy. Frimpong’s sport is constructed extra on athleticism and dynamism reasonably than playmaking means, which might see Liverpool alter their tactical form ought to he be signed as a substitute reasonably than an alternate.
Dutch Affect Might Play a Function
The Dutch connection at Liverpool might show pivotal in any potential deal. With Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, and Ryan Gravenberch already within the squad, Frimpong would have acquainted faces to assist ease his transition. A latest interplay between Frimpong, Gravenberch, and Van Dijk whereas on worldwide obligation has solely added gasoline to the hypothesis.
If Liverpool do transfer for Frimpong, the construction of the squad could evolve, notably in how the right-back place is utilised. The potential departure of Alexander-Arnold wouldn’t solely influence defensive depth but additionally change Liverpool’s strategy in possession. Whether or not Frimpong can adapt to such a task stays a crucial query.
At £33.7 million, the deal represents worth in at present’s market, but its success will largely depend upon how effectively Frimpong can combine into a special tactical setting. Liverpool followers will undoubtedly be hoping for readability on Alexander-Arnold’s future sooner reasonably than later, because it might dictate how a lot the membership prioritises a transfer for the Leverkusen defender.
Our View – Anfield Index Evaluation
Liverpool followers can have blended emotions about this potential switch. On one hand, Jeremie Frimpong’s attacking prowess is plain, and his means to contribute within the closing third might make him a precious asset. However on the opposite, Alexander-Arnold’s departure would go away a void that Frimpong could not be capable to fill stylistically.
Trent’s imaginative and prescient and passing means have been basic to Liverpool’s system for years, redefining the fashionable full-back position. Frimpong, whereas gifted, affords a really totally different ability set. He thrives in a wing-back position the place defensive duties are shared, reasonably than in a again 4 that calls for a steadiness of defensive solidity and creativity in possession.
That mentioned, Liverpool’s Dutch contingent might play a key position in smoothing his adaptation course of. If Frimpong does arrive, it could be intriguing to see whether or not Arne Slot tweaks Liverpool’s formation to go well with his strengths or makes an attempt to mould him into a standard full-back.
In the end, a lot of this hinges on Alexander-Arnold’s contract state of affairs. If he stays, Liverpool’s want for a beginning right-back diminishes, and Frimpong could also be seen in its place choice reasonably than a direct substitute. But when Trent leaves, then this potential signing turns into much more vital in shaping the subsequent part of Liverpool’s evolution.