As Liverpool followers stay up for a brand new period underneath Arne Slot, consideration has turned firmly to the Bundesliga. With the season concluded, hypothesis intensifies concerning who would possibly make the change to Anfield. On a particular episode of Media Issues, Dave Davis welcomed Bundesliga skilled Ninad Barbadikar to dissect the German market and, extra particularly, the much-discussed hyperlink between Liverpool and Jeremie Frimpong.
Frimpong: Lightning on the Proper Flank
Few names have generated as a lot pleasure this summer season as Jeremie Frimpong, and Ninad Barbadikar did little to chill the flames. “We’ve seen presumably the perfect model of what Frimpong will be prior to now couple of seasons,” he stated, crediting Xabi Alonso’s system for showcasing the wing-back’s abilities. Described as somebody who “can use his tempo to outpace anyone on their best day,” Frimpong’s power lies in his explosive ahead runs.
Barbadikar highlighted his attacking prowess, noting, “He isn’t the best finisher, nevertheless it’s the quantity of quantity he will get in these actions into the field.” Liverpool’s model underneath Slot could properly profit from such dynamism, and the thought of Frimpong complementing Mo Salah is tantalising. “When you’ve got somebody like Frimpong who can stretch that proper flank all day along with his bombarding runs, it’s going to be an enormous plus,” he added.
Character Match for Liverpool
Past the soccer, character issues. “It could be completely honest to say [he’s] a little bit of a personality,” stated Barbadikar, referencing Frimpong’s memorable post-match interviews. He added, “He is a superb character… already an enormous, massive character,” earlier than suggesting the Dutchman would match seamlessly into Liverpool’s dressing room. With a rising Dutch contingent together with Van Dijk and Gakpo, there’s already a basis for his integration.
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Frimpong’s off-pitch presence could possibly be simply as influential. “He can enhance the dressing room vibe,” famous Barbadikar. Character, tempo and presence—Frimpong seems to tick all of the containers.
Going In opposition to the Grain
The place some elite golf equipment search management and flexibility in fullbacks, Liverpool could also be heading in the wrong way. “Liverpool are going in opposition to the grain,” stated Barbadikar, pointing to the membership’s curiosity in additional offensive defenders. “You’ve seen Arsenal put money into Timber, Metropolis in Gvardiol… Liverpool need extra offensive gamers of their group.”
Photograph: IMAGO
This strategic divergence might repay. “Though he isn’t a conventional fullback, he ticks so many containers by way of participant high quality… it makes absolute sense to go for this deal,” Barbadikar defined.
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Issues stay, mainly across the physicality of the Premier League. However Barbadikar believes tempo could compensate, suggesting, “There may be undoubtedly some concern about his quick bodily adjustment… however he’s simply going to make use of his tempo to make up for any deficiencies.”
Match for the Future
As Salah approaches the latter levels of his peak, Liverpool should plan forward. Frimpong could possibly be a part of that evolution. Barbadikar concluded, “You need gamers who can have an effect on objective scoring… and Frimpong does that to a really excessive diploma.”
This isn’t a speculative punt however a calculated funding. From tactical match to temperament, the alignment appears clear. Barbadikar’s endorsement is unequivocal: “The trade-offs are value it in the case of somebody like Frimpong.”
Whereas followers await official motion, the thrill continues. If Liverpool safe Frimpong, it is going to mark not only a tactical assertion however a cultural one. A fast, attacking drive down the proper, a energetic presence within the dressing room, and maybe, the start of a brand new blueprint underneath Arne Slot.