Jeremie Frimpong: What Liverpool’s First Summer Signing Brings to the Table
Jeremie Frimpong became Liverpool’s first signing in what’s shaping up to be a busy summer, and despite his high quality, his arrival may not be getting the attention it deserves. So, what exactly can the new right-back offer the Reds?
With insights from our partners at FotMob, here’s a breakdown of what Frimpong adds to Arne Slot’s squad.
⚽ Goals & Assists
Frimpong’s statistics are understandably influenced by his role as an attacking wing-back under Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen — but that role was no accident. He thrived in it.
Last season in the Bundesliga, Frimpong scored five goals and provided six assists in 33 appearances. Only striker Patrik Schick (22) and fellow new Liverpool signing Florian Wirtz (23) had more goal involvements for Leverkusen.
When it comes to attacking output from defense, Frimpong stands out:
- No full-back registered more shots on target than his 16.
- He ranked in the top 5% of full-backs for total shots (34).
🎯 Creativity
Frimpong also proved himself a valuable playmaker, creating 30 chances for teammates throughout the 2024/25 Bundesliga campaign — further underlining his attacking threat from wide areas.
Frimpong’s Final Third Threat – And What He Offers Beyond Attack
While Jeremie Frimpong’s attacking output grabs headlines, his influence in the final third goes far deeper. He consistently causes problems for defenders, with standout numbers to back it up:
- 0.97 successful dribbles per 90 minutes (Top 14% of players in his position)
- 4.53 touches in the opposition box per 90 (Top 1%)
- 1.2 fouls won per 90 (Top 13%)
At just 24, Frimpong combines fearlessness on the ball with the ability to beat his marker repeatedly — even if that sometimes earns him the tag of a “foul magnet.”
🛡️ Defensive Concerns? Maybe Not.
There have been some questions about Frimpong’s defensive capabilities, particularly given his attack-minded role at Bayer Leverkusen. However, sources close to the Dutch international insist he sees himself as a natural right-back, and his stats suggest he’s more than capable when tracking back.
In the 2024/25 Bundesliga:
- He won 75.8% of his tackles — placing him in the top 10% for full-backs
- He regained possession in the final third 0.81 times per 90, ranking in the top 1%
- He was dribbled past just 0.5 times per 90, placing him in the top 23%
These numbers reflect a player who is not just fast and direct, but also defensively responsible — a key trait in Arne Slot’s tactical setup.
🔄 Competition and Flexibility
Frimpong’s arrival sets up a fascinating battle with Conor Bradley for the right-back spot. Despite the Dutchman’s £29.5 million price tag and greater experience, there’s no expectation that he will simply walk into the starting XI.
Instead, the likely plan is for Slot to use their contrasting profiles tactically. While Frimpong offers explosive attacking drive and box presence, Bradley brings a steadier, more traditional right-back style — giving Liverpool valuable flexibility depending on the opposition.
Verdict:
Frimpong isn’t just an attacking outlet — he’s a modern, high-intensity full-back who blends flair with discipline. His signing gives Liverpool not only quality but also tactical variety and depth in a critical position.
While Conor Bradley is a tireless, overlapping right-back, he doesn’t yet possess the same polished attacking qualities that Jeremie Frimpong brings to the table. That difference in end product could see Frimpong preferred in matches where Liverpool need an extra edge in the final third.
In that sense, Frimpong could become Arne Slot’s secret attacking weapon — a dynamic option who can complement Mohamed Salah down the right flank and create overloads that stretch opposition left-backs to their limits.
However, the numbers make it clear: Frimpong isn’t just an offensive outlet. He’s more than capable of fulfilling his defensive responsibilities as a traditional right-back. With his mix of attacking flair and defensive reliability, Frimpong could prove to be a real bargain for Liverpool.
