For Jeremie Frimpong settling into a new team is rarely straightforward, especially when you arrive in the middle of one of the busiest transfer windows in Liverpool’s modern history.
Although, the adjustment has been smoother than most. The Dutch wing-back grew up nearby Manchester after moving from Amsterdam at the age of seven, and his return to the North West came with the comfort of family, a private chef, and a tight-knit support team.
But for teammates Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike record-breaking arrivals who have moved to the UK for the first time the transition has been less simple. That is why Liverpool’s player care staff, and the dressing-room leaders, have been so crucial in recent weeks.
The new signings have also been pulled into the fun. Wirtz, often labelled shy, has been coaxed out of his shell during these games, while Ekitike has embraced the humour as a way of showing his personality to his teammates. Kerkez, already close with compatriot Dominik Szoboszlai, has quickly blended in too, trading laughs with Robertson over his Glaswegian accent.
The moments might seem trivial, but they speak to something much bigger. Slot’s Liverpool are a team in transition, and the culture off the pitch is just as important as the tactical blueprint he is trying to lay down on it.
Frimpong himself has been quick to embrace the challenge of integration. The 23-year-old has leaned into his naturally lively personality, sparking squad activities to bring new signings together.
During a light-hearted TNT Sports “Most Likely To” game Frimpong was asked who he would choose to make new arrivals feel comfortable straight away.
“Andy Robertson.” His answer was instant
Robertson has long been regarded as one of Liverpool’s dressing-room constants. This summer, he was formally recognised as such when Arne Slot named him vice-captain, stepping into the role vacated by Trent Alexander-Arnold after his move to Real Madrid. For Slot, Robertson’s importance extends far beyond the pitch.
“Apart from all the quality he shows on the pitch, he plays also a big role in the culture we have here at this club,” Slot explained. “Which is, as I said many times last season, the biggest gift I could get from Jürgen [Klopp].”
Robertson’s influence is obvious. Now in his ninth season at Anfield, the Scotland captain has been part of Liverpool’s leadership group for years, alongside Alisson Becker and Mohamed Salah. But his promotion to vice-captain has only strengthened his authority. For Frimpong, he is the heartbeat of the squad — the first player you’d turn to if you needed a laugh, a lift, or just a way to feel included.
As Liverpool’s season gets underway again after the September international break, the roles of Robertson and other senior players in guiding Wirtz, Ekitike and the rest through their first steps in red will be vital.
