When Jeremie Frimpong was unveiled as Liverpool’s first signing of the summer in June, the assumption was simple here was the man to step into the void left by Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Alexander-Arnold’s departure had created a clear vacancy at right-back, and at £29.5 million from Bayer Leverkusen, the 24-year-old arrived with a reputation for explosive attacking play from deep. But as Arne Slot begins his second season in charge at Anfield, it’s becoming clear that the Dutchman was bought for more than just one job.
Arne Slot has expressed his confidence that Frimpong has the potential to step into Mohamed Salah’s role later in the season, should the need arise, and possesses the qualities necessary to make a meaningful impact when called upon.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Community Shield clash with Crystal Palace, Slot lifted the lid on Liverpool’s thinking and it extends far beyond replacing Alexander-Arnold.
“We definitely thought about that [Salah being away at AFCON].
We brought in Jeremie Frimpong because we think he can play as a right full-back, but I also feel that he can play as a right winger. We will miss Mo for a maximum of six games, but that’s quite a lot in the Premier League, especially when you see how well he did last season.
Signing Jeremie was for multiple reasons but one of them was that he could replace Mo if Mo is not there. There are other options as well but Jeremie is definitely one of them.”
Salah will be in Morocco for the Africa Cup of Nations from December 21 to January 18. If Egypt go deep in the tournament, Liverpool’s top scorer will miss up to six league matches, as well as potential cup and European fixtures.
But Frimpong’s pre-season hints at how Slot might bridge the gap. Used largely in advanced roles before making his first defensive start in the 3-2 victory over Athletic Bilbao, the 23-year-old has shown he can stretch play, attack space and deliver a final ball — all hallmarks of Salah’s wide-forward game.
The Reds have been here before. In January 2022, Salah and Sadio Mané both departed for AFCON duty, forcing former manager Jürgen Klopp to reshuffle his attack. Then, the depth of Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino eased the blow, but this time the picture is less forgiving.
With the sales of Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez, Federico Chiesa expected to follow and the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, senior attacking options are limited to Salah, Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo. The club are retain an interest in Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, but that pursuit is finely balanced and may run deep into the transfer window.
For now, Frimpong’s focus will be on bedding into a Liverpool side that opens the Premier League season at home to Bournemouth next Friday, following the Community Shield this weekend, but his role is likely to evolve as the campaign unfolds.
If Liverpool are to defend their title while competing on multiple fronts, they will need flexibility, depth, and tactical innovation and the answer might be Slot’s trust in Frimpong.
