Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann has told Arne Slot that Jeremie Frimpong isn’t a full-back, and has warned the Reds boss about using him as a right-back this season.
Liverpool of course gets its Premier League title defense underway on Friday against Bournemouth, with Frimpong looking almost certain to start.
With Conor Bradley having missed recent games against Athletic Club and Crystal Palace through injury, the former Bayer Leverkusen star is the most likely to get the nod on the right of the Reds’ back four, having also started there in Sunday’s Community Shield in which he also grabbed his first goal for his new club.
Frimpong certainly offers an attacking option on the right. The 24-year-old operated primarily as a wing-back under Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen, while he tends to be used in an even more advanced position when on international duty with the Netherlands.
Hamann though has expressed doubts about his suitability to play as a right-back, and believes that Bradley would be the better option defensively.
Speaking to CasinoHawks, who have the latest casino sites, Hamann said: “Jeremie Frimpong is not a full-back, really.
Former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann
Former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann has made his feelings clear (Image: Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
“In a home game against Bournemouth, you can probably play Frimpong, he does a job at full-back. But I think against better teams or the best teams I’m not sure.
“He does defend, but I don't think he's the smartest or best defender. Frimpong likes to bomb forward and obviously got the goal in the opposition's box at Wembley, Bradley is the better defender.”
While Frimpong and Bradley have the chance to establish themselves as Liverpool’s first-choice right-back following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure to Real Madrid, the latter’s injury record may well hold him back.
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The 22-year-old has had regular spells out injured, and has found himself on the sidelines again heading into the new season, leaving Slot with little option but to side with Frimpong at right-back.
“I think there will be a lot of opportunities for Conor Bradley,” Hamann added. “The thing is, he's been injured a lot. I think he missed nearly half the games since he joined the first team. He just has to stay fit because if you're not fit, then obviously it's no good to the manager and the team.
“I think that will be his biggest target this season, to stay fit. If he does stay fit, I'm sure he will get plenty of games.”
Liverpool.com says: Hopefully, Bradley will be able to sort out his injury problems soon, and we'll get to see him have a proper run in the team. He has looked so promising when he has been given the opportunity that it would be a real shame if he doesn't get a real opportunity to replace Alexander-Arnold this season.