Tim Sherwood says Liverpool player had ‘worst game you can ever imagine’ vs Southampton

A Night of Chaos and Questions at Anfield

What was meant to be another straightforward evening in Liverpool’s dream start under Arne Slot turned into one of the most dramatic and debated nights of the season. Facing Championship side Southampton in the Carabao Cup third round, the fixture appeared an ideal chance for Slot to rotate his squad, hand minutes to fringe players, and still progress comfortably. The atmosphere inside Anfield was buoyant, fans expecting another routine victory — but what unfolded on the pitch was anything but ordinary.

Liverpool did emerge 2-1 winners, thanks to goals from Alexander Isak and late substitute Hugo Ekitike. Yet beneath the scoreline lay a story of frustration, missed chances, and glaring individual errors. One player, in particular, found himself under intense scrutiny — summer signing Jeremie Frimpong.

Frimpong, brought in from Bayer Leverkusen to inject pace and attacking thrust into Liverpool’s right flank, endured a torrid evening. Touted as the long-term successor to Trent Alexander-Arnold — who now operates more centrally under Slot — the Dutchman instead produced a performance to forget.

Tim Sherwood, working as a Sky Sports pundit, summed up the feeling bluntly: “Frimpong is having the worst game you can ever imagine.” His harsh assessment quickly went viral, with social media awash with clips and criticism. What should have been Frimpong’s chance to impress became a night of public embarrassment.

The chaos on the pitch reflected Liverpool’s disjointed display. Southampton came close to scoring when Adam Armstrong struck the crossbar, only for Leo Scienza to somehow head the rebound wide. Just moments later, Isak punished them with a goal — Liverpool’s only moment of real composure in the first half. Despite leading, the team looked fragile, particularly down Frimpong’s side, where every Southampton attack caused alarm.

Arne Slot’s decision to make 11 changes was bold, signalling faith in his squad depth. But the mix of senior figures, new signings, and academy talents failed to click. The midfield lacked control, the defence wobbled, and the attack stuttered.

Frimpong’s struggles stood out most. His passing was erratic, his positioning uncertain, and his usual confidence deserted him. Each misplaced pass drew audible groans from the crowd. The contrast with young right-back Conor Bradley — whose recent performances have impressed — could not have been sharper. Slot now faces a tough choice: persist with his costly new recruit or back the in-form academy graduate.

Frimpong’s reputation from Leverkusen suggested he was ready for this stage — 30 goals and 44 assists in 190 appearances is elite output for a full-back. But the Premier League is unforgiving, and Anfield magnifies mistakes as much as it celebrates brilliance. Against Southampton, it was the former on display.

Adding to the evening’s madness was Ekitike’s late goal — followed instantly by a second yellow card for removing his shirt in celebration. The sight of a goalscorer sent off seconds after securing victory summed up the chaos perfectly. It was a win, yes, but an untidy one that left as many questions as answers.

After full-time, Slot applauded the fans, perhaps acknowledging their role in lifting a side that had struggled all night. He knows adaptation takes time, particularly for new arrivals like Frimpong. But in a league as relentless as the Premier League, patience is a luxury.

For Frimpong, this may prove a defining moment. Every player has a bad game, but few have theirs dissected so publicly. How he responds — with resilience or self-doubt — will shape his Liverpool journey.

The broader picture remains positive. Liverpool’s perfect Premier League record and Champions League win over Atlético Madrid show Slot’s system is working. Yet this match was a reminder that trophies are won not just by a starting eleven, but by the strength and reliability of the entire squad.

The battle between Frimpong and Bradley for the right-back spot could become one of Slot’s key dilemmas this season. With Alexander-Arnold evolving into a midfield role, consistency on that flank is crucial. If Frimpong doesn’t rediscover his form soon, Bradley may well seize his opportunity.

Among fans, opinions are split. Some urge patience, noting the adjustment period foreign players often need. Others argue that a big-money signing should deliver immediately, especially at a club of Liverpool’s stature. The online debate continues, fuelled by clips of Frimpong’s missteps and reminders of his Bundesliga brilliance.

Sherwood’s scathing remark will sting, but football offers redemption quickly. With Crystal Palace up next, Frimpong has a chance to silence critics and prove one bad night doesn’t define him. Slot must decide whether to protect or persist with him.

Whatever happens, this match will be remembered — for Ekitike’s red card, for Liverpool’s nervy performance, and above all, for the difficult beginning of Frimpong’s Anfield story. It wasn’t the debut he dreamed of, but it might yet become the turning point that defines his response.