Frimpong’s Nightmare: Chaos, Criticism, and a Warning for Liverpool
The night at Anfield was supposed to be routine. A Carabao Cup tie against Championship side Southampton, a chance for Arne Slot to rotate, rest his stars, and give minutes to fringe players. On paper, it looked straightforward. In reality, it became one of the most chaotic and controversial nights of Liverpool’s season.
Yes, Liverpool won — 2-1 thanks to Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike. But behind the scoreline came confusion, groans from the crowd, and a performance that left pundits and fans questioning the squad’s depth.
And at the heart of it all: Jeremie Frimpong.
From Star Signing to Target of Criticism
Signed in the summer from Bayer Leverkusen to bring dynamism to Liverpool’s right flank, Frimpong was meant to be the long-term heir to Trent Alexander-Arnold. Instead, his Carabao Cup debut became a nightmare.
His passing was sloppy, his positioning suspect, and his usual fearless pace evaporated under the Anfield lights. Every Southampton attack down his side looked dangerous. Fans groaned with each mistake.
Sky Sports pundit Tim Sherwood summed up the mood with a brutal line that went viral within minutes:
“Frimpong is having the worst game you can ever imagine.”
Chaos All Over the Pitch
Slot had made 11 changes, a full rotation designed to test the depth of his squad. The result was disjointed football: a shaky defence, a midfield lacking control, and an attack struggling to link up.
Southampton nearly struck first, hitting the bar before Liverpool countered immediately with Isak’s opener. Later, substitute Ekitike made it 2-0 — only to rip off his shirt in celebration, earn a second yellow, and get sent off.
Anfield was left shaking its head. The Reds advanced, but it didn’t feel like a win.
Bradley vs. Frimpong: A Battle Brews
The real headache for Slot is what happens next. While Frimpong faltered, young Conor Bradley continues to shine. Once seen as a backup, Bradley’s consistency and hunger have put him in direct competition for the right-back role.
Frimpong’s Bundesliga numbers — 30 goals and 44 assists in 190 appearances — show his quality. But the Premier League is unforgiving, and at Liverpool, patience is short.
What Comes Next
Fans are split: some call for patience, others demand more from a big-money signing. Social media is flooded with clips of Frimpong’s misplaced passes alongside reminders of his brilliance in Germany.
For Slot, the decision is clear but difficult: throw Frimpong back in to rebuild his confidence, or turn to Bradley and risk sidelining the summer signing.
Either way, this Carabao Cup clash will be remembered not for Isak’s finish or Ekitike’s bizarre red card, but as the night Jeremie Frimpong’s Liverpool story truly began — not in triumph, but in doubt
