The Dutch international stopped to speak to the media after the goalless draw against Leeds on New Year's Day and admitted his first few months at Liverpool have been "unlucky"
12:00, 03 Jan 2026
Jeremie Frimpong
Jeremie Frimpong said his start to life at Liverpool has difficult due to injury(Image: Getty Images)
Jeremie Frimpong said he is delighted to be back in the Liverpool team and is hoping to contribute regularly during the second half of the season.
The Dutch international joined the Reds from Bayer Leverkusen last summer but has failed to hit the ground running due to two lengthy injury breaks. After picking up a hamstring problem on the opening weekend of the Premier League season, Frimpong then sustained a groin injury in mid-October that kept him out for nearly two months.
The 25-year-old returned to the team two weeks ago and provided an assist for Hugo Ekitike after coming off the bench in the 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur. He also set up Ryan Gravenberch’s opener against Wolves a week later, and was the Reds' most potent attacking threat during the New Year’s Day draw against Leeds.
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After a frustrating start to his Anfield career, it feels like one of the Premier League’s most rapid dribblers is finally up and running at Liverpool.
"I've been injured for a long time and I just want to play football," Frimpiong told reporters after the goalless draw against Leeds. "You could say that I miss playing football, so of course I'm happy to be back on the pitch."
Frimpong’s injury absence was a shock to the system. He is not used to long stretches out of the team and didn’t miss a single game through injury in his last two seasons at Leverkusen.
However, the defender used that frustrating period to his advantage, taking time to bond with his new teammates and even taking up Pilates to help strengthen his hamstrings.
Jeremie Frimpong will not play for Liverpool before the November international break
Frimpong spent two months out of the Liverpool team between October and December(Image: Getty Images)
“It was really tough,” said Frimpong. “I'm not really the kind of guy that gets injured. So, it's really difficult for me to deal with, but I had people, my people, around me.”
“I just think it's part of the game. Injuries happen to people and I guess it was just my turn. I could say it's been an unlucky start for me, but like now I'm healthier. I feel good.”
Frimpong’s position on the pitch has been a recurring talking point since his arrival at Liverpool, and his versatility was a major attraction for the Reds when they decided to complete a summer transfer.
Frimpong is comfortable anywhere on the right flank and lined up at right-back against Wolves, before operating in a more advanced role at Anfield on New Year’s Day.
Jeremie Frimpong on the ball
Jeremie Frimpong impressed for Liverpool against Leeds in a more advanced role(Image: Getty Images)
His penetrative runs in behind looked like Liverpool’s best route to a goal against Leeds, particularly in the first half, and Arne Slot referenced post-match how Frimpong’s direct running has already become a real asset for the team.
“Whether it’s right-back or right wing, I just use my ability, my speed,” said Liverpool’s No. 30. “It doesn't matter to me.
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“I just try to bring my ability. If that brings something different [to the team] then it does. When I play, I just want to help my team.”
With Mohamed Salah at the Africa Cup of Nations, Frimpong will hope for an extended run in the team over the coming weeks, something which is much needed for both the team and player after his prolonged period on the sidelines.