Jeremie Frimpong's former Bayer Leverkusen teammate Nathan Tella has backed the Dutch wing-back to succeed at Liverpool after he made the $39 million (£30 million) move to Anfield this summer.
Having won the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen in 2024, Frimpong decided that this was the right time to take the next step. And with Trent Alexander-Arnold joining Real Madrid, there was a spot open on the Liverpool roster.
With a strong contingent from the Netherlands already at Liverpool, including Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch, plus head coach Arne Slot and several of his backroom staff, Frimpong didn't take much convincing. And Tella has no doubts that he will be a success.
"Jeremie has had many outstanding seasons at Leverkusen," Tella told Flashscore. "It was no surprise that a team as big as Liverpool were interested in him.
"He is one of those footballers who deserves the world because he's done so much for the team (Bayer Leverkusen) to help us, and he's done so much for himself as a player.
"If you're good enough, you can play anywhere. He's shown it's not just that he only plays in Germany, he's played international level, he's played Champions League, and he's done well.
Liverpool wing-back Jeremie Frimpong.
Liverpool wing-back Jeremie Frimpong. (Image: Stuart Franklin - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
"I wouldn't say there'll be any surprise for anyone to see how good he is there. Definitely, there should be no surprise to see how well he goes."
Liverpool moved early for Frimpong and has since wrapped up a deal for Florian Wirtz too. The former Manchester City youth prospect is looking forward to linking up with the German once again.
"I'm really excited," Frimpong told ESPN Netherlands. "I'm really looking forward to playing with Liverpool. And of course Florian Wirtz, my good friend, he's coming too.
"That makes it extra fun. I also already know some guys from the national team. So yeah, I'm really up for it. I can't wait for it to start."
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Frimpong could make his first appearance in a Liverpool shirt against Preston North End in mid-July. His first competitive game could be against Bournemouth when the Reds kick off the new Premier League season.
"When I first spoke to [Slot], I immediately noticed that he was interested," Frimpong continued. "He said he really wanted me at Liverpool and that I would fit well into the team.
"And when you hear that he wants you — and then to play for Liverpool too — that's just an honor, you know? How could I say no?"
Liverpool.com says: Frimpong is completely different to Alexander-Arnold and it will be interesting to see how he and Conor Bradley fare in the battle to be the number one pick at right-back. Arne Slot has two quality options to choose from, which can't be a bad thing.