Liverpool's full-back options have been slammed by Stale Solbakken, with the Norway manager and well-known Reds supporter hitting out at the duo.
Norway's head coach Stale Solbakken reacts during the UEFA Euro 2024 group A qualification football match between Spain and Norway
Stale Solbakken has slammed Liverpool's full-back options(Image: (Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP via Getty Images))
Norway national team manager Stale Solbakken has slammed Liverpool duo Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, claiming they are a "walking nightmare" in the backline during an analysis of the club's transfer business this summer.
It follows a market in which the Reds focused on options at center-back and on the wings, rather than at full-back, with a few eyebrows raised considering the difficulties that had been faced in those positions. There is some hope that Andoni Iraola will be able to get the most out of Kerkez and Frimpong this season, considering his previous track record with the former, and his ability to improve players during his coaching career so far.
However, that hasn't stopped the criticism coming in for the Liverpool pair, just two games into the new Premier League season, with two draws earned so far.
READ MORE: Jamie Carragher fears Andoni Iraola will face uncomfortable Dominik Szoboszlai talks
Solbakken, who is a Liverpool fan, was extremely open with his discussion on the transfer business of the Reds over the summer, and singled out the full-back positions as problem areas.
Speaking on Viaplay’s Deadline Day show, via SportWitness, the Norway boss said: "The full-backs are a walking nightmare defensively. Kerkez doesn’t seem to be able to get it right, even with his old manager. Frimpong is, for me, positionally weak and better going forward than going back."
He continued by being asked about Virgil van Dijk, who is now in the final year of his contract, and could be set to leave the club at the end of the season.
“Is Van Dijk singing the last verse? I’m not sure about that," Solbakken explained. "He certainly doesn’t have the same pace anymore. I don’t think I’m in favour of them lifting the trophy at the end of the season."
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 14: Alexander Isak of Liverpool warms up with Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between Liverpool FC and Paris Saint-Germain FC at Anfield on April 14, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Jeremie Frimpong (L) and Milos Kerkez (R) were signed last summer(Image: 2026 Catherine Ivill - AMA)
In the end, Liverpool managed to end the transfer window with four new arrivals, with Bradley Barcola among the standout signings for $166 million.
There are clear concerns over the depth in the squad, however, with a brave transfer call being made at right-back, in midfield, and even at right-wing. Considering the lack of options available, and the intensity with which the manager wants to play at, it is a decision that could come back to bite the team.
Solbakken added: "It’s a bit thin and untested. I think they should have brought in a central midfielder who could have gone straight into the team. I’m not sure about the wings."
It remains to be seen whether Liverpool will come to regret the decisions made over the summer transfer window, which will highlight some of the challenges that Iraola has inherited with this team.
Until then, a full assessment of the window and the options available can only come with time, with some huge games coming up for the new manager in his role.