Join AI Pro

Jeremie Frimpong’s Arrival at Liverpool Signals Defensive Shift After Alexander-Arnold Exit

Liverpool’s title-winning squad under Arne Slot is set for its first major evolution this summer, with significant changes on the horizon ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season. The most notable among them may well be at right-back, where the long-serving Trent Alexander-Arnold has departed Anfield for Real Madrid, leaving behind not only a trophy-laden legacy but also a tactical void.

Slot, who masterminded Liverpool’s return to the top of English football in his debut campaign, now faces the challenge of maintaining momentum while refreshing key areas of the squad. Enter Jeremie Frimpong, the dynamic Dutchman signed from Bayer Leverkusen, and already tipped by many to be Slot’s first-choice right-back ahead of homegrown talent Conor Bradley.

Frimpong vs Alexander-Arnold: Comparing Styles

It is inevitable that comparisons will be drawn between Frimpong and his predecessor. Alexander-Arnold, once hailed as the creative heartbeat of Liverpool’s right flank, evolved under Jürgen Klopp into a hybrid playmaker, operating in advanced midfield positions as much as in traditional defensive zones.

Frimpong, however, offers a different profile. Speaking to beIN SPORTS, former Liverpool winger Ryan Babel underlined the tactical contrast fans can expect: “Yes, exciting signing for Liverpool. A player with a lot of energy, an electric player who likes to go forward. I don’t know him personally, but what I can see from the outside he is a great teammate to have. Not only is he defensively strong but he also has a great attacking force and understands the game. A great signing for Liverpool.”

This blend of defensive awareness and forward thrust is key. While Alexander-Arnold’s creativity often masked his lapses at the back, Babel believes Frimpong brings a more rounded approach. “The debate was always whether Trent was a good defender,” he said. “I actually agree with Slot’s comments not too long ago, I think he was a way better defender than what we believe him to be, but he maybe didn’t always show it in key moments.

“With the new signing I believe you have a more stable defender who knows how to execute an attacking player and that’s what I think the main difference will be.”

Slot’s Tactical Puzzle

Slot’s Liverpool isn’t just a stylistic shift from the high-octane, pressing-heavy Klopp era. It’s more methodical, more structured, and arguably more balanced. That balance is precisely what Frimpong brings. While his attacking instincts were honed in Xabi Alonso’s thrilling Leverkusen side, the 24-year-old’s versatility suggests he can adapt to Slot’s tactical framework, offering both pace on the overlap and discipline off the ball.

This transition also relieves some of the creative burden from Liverpool’s midfield, now boosted by the arrival of Florian Wirtz. Should Frimpong and Wirtz link up down the right-hand side, Liverpool could be looking at a combination as influential as any in Europe.

Photo: IMAGO

Embracing the Club Culture

What has helped Frimpong win fans over almost immediately isn’t just his footballing promise, but his character. He’s already warmed hearts by responding to young Liverpool fan Isaac Kearney, who lives with Wolf Hirschhorn Syndrome and has become a beloved figure at Anfield for his infectious spirit and matchday chants.

After Isaac welcomed him to the club with a special video, Frimpong replied with a heartfelt message: “Thank you for the warm welcome, Isaac,” he wrote, accompanied by a heart emoji. It’s the kind of gesture that reflects the cultural fabric Liverpool players are expected to embrace — humility, passion, and connection with the supporters.

Photo: IMAGO

High Expectations for Liverpool’s New Era

Liverpool’s 2025 summer is not about rebuilding — it’s about refining. Jeremie Frimpong’s arrival, backed by Ryan Babel’s ringing endorsement, signals a new phase in which tactical clarity and defensive responsibility will hold greater weight than ever before.

Replacing a player as influential as Alexander-Arnold is no small task. But with Slot’s vision, Babel’s faith, and the enthusiasm already emanating from the fanbase, Frimpong might not just fill those boots — he could sprint past them.

Join AI Pro