Jeremie Frimpong for Liverpool-1
Jeremie Frimpong for Liverpool-1
Liverpool fans have grown frustrated over the last 12 months with the lack of success at Anfield - ultimately leading to Arne Slot being handed his marching orders during the summer.
Andoni Iraola has been tasked with changing the club’s fortunes throughout the 2026/27 campaign and beyond, but the Spaniard needs time if he is to achieve long-term success on Merseyside.
In his first three Premier League games in charge of the Reds, the 44-year-old has drawn twice and won once - with his first victory coming against Ipswich Town on Friday night.
andoni-iraola
However, such a meeting has only further highlighted the struggles of one player, who has come under constant pressure since his move to the club 12 months ago.
Why Jeremie Frimpong is on borrowed time at Liverpool
Replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold was always going to be a tricky task for whoever filled the right-back role, but it’s a task which Jeremie Frimpong has struggled with massively.
The Reds signed the Dutch international from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, but concerns have been raised about his suitability to operate in a full-back role rather than a wing-back.
frimpong-liverpool (2)
frimpong-liverpool (2)
The 25-year-old, who is more suited to a back five, has struggled to adapt to life on Merseyside and has been the subject of questions over his long-term suitability to life under Iraola.
His showing against Nottingham Forest last weekend is further evidence of his struggles, with the Dutchman unable to have a positive impact at either end of the pitch.
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Jeremie Frimpong - stats against Forest
Statistics
Minutes played
Touches
Pass accuracy
Dribbles completed
Crosses completed
Dribbled past
Duels lost
Chances created
Frimpong failed to complete any of the dribbles he attempted during the 2-2 draw, whilst failing to find a teammate with any of the four crosses he attempted at Anfield.
He was also dribbled past on two separate occasions on Merseyside, whilst only making one tackle - as the opposition exploited his weaknesses for both of their goals.
As a result, he was benched and an unused substitute during the recent win over the Tractor Boys, which could suggest that the manager is also questioning his long-term suitability to the role.
Alongside Frimpong: Liverpool attacker also looks finished
After his appointment as Liverpool boss, Iraola was always going to want to put his own stamp on the senior ranks to increase the club’s chances of success during his tenure.
He did spend over £150m on new additions during his first transfer window at Anfield, but departures are also to be expected in the near future as part of the senior overhaul.
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola
The likes of Giorgi Mamardashvili and Trey Nyoni were linked with late moves away from Merseyside, but the manager rejected such offers to keep hold of the squad members.
However, the same can’t be said for Federico Chiesa, with the Italian winger now firmly on the fringes of the senior squad - and almost certain to leave in the near future.
The 28-year-old, who joined for £10m back in the summer of 2024, has struggled to make a huge impact after such a move, subsequently only featuring 50 times across all competitions.
He’s also only managed to find the back of the net five times since his subsequent transfer, averaging one goal in every 10 matches he’s featured in over the last two seasons.
Reportedly earning around £107k-per-week at Anfield, Chiesa has been close to the exit door on numerous occasions, but has somehow remained at the club - as seen once again during the recent summer transfer window.
However, Iraola has delivered the biggest hint yet that the forward will not be part of his plans, as he’s left him out of the Reds’ UEFA Champions League squad for the group stage.
Liverpool's Federico Chiesa
Liverpool's Federico Chiesa
Chiesa has also been absent from all three of the club’s first league outings to date, with his fitness issues another reason why he appears to be finished on Merseyside.
He’s already missed 35 league games through injury since his arrival two years ago, subsequently featuring in fewer games than his games missed tally.
Supporters were excited about the Italian’s arrival a handful of years ago, but it’s safe to say his move to Liverpool has been a failure and one to forget for the hierarchy.
Given the low fee paid for his signature, the club can probably still cash in on his services and recoup the majority of their investment - subsequently allowing him to finally move on to pastures new.
The arrival of Bradley Barcola has only pushed the former Juventus man down the pecking order, with the Italian and Frimpong two players who appear to be out of Iraola’s immediate plans.