Liverpool Addresses Centre-Back Concerns While Right-Back Situation Remains Challenging
Liverpool appear to have finally solved their centre-back crisis.
A few weeks ago, manager Andoni Iraola had to rely on inexperienced duo Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Mor Talla Ndiaye to shore up the defense. Forgotten player Luke Chambers also had preseason opportunities in that position.
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However, with the return of Virgil van Dijk and a strong debut performance from Jeremy Jacquet, stability has returned to the backline.
Additionally, the loan signing of Ronald Araujo and the upcoming return from injury for Giovanni Leoni have transformed what once looked like a vulnerability into a more secure central defensive lineup.
Liverpool Faces Right-Back Dilemma
Despite improvements at centre-back, Liverpool still faces challenges at right-back.
The timeline for Conor Bradley’s recovery from a serious knee injury remains uncertain, and Iraola will likely want to avoid using midfielders as substitutes for this critical position.
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This situation may provide an opportunity for Jeremie Frimpong to establish his place, assuming the club does not pursue a new signing for the role.
The 25-year-old joined from Bayer Leverkusen last summer after Liverpool activated a release clause of around £30m.
However, the Netherlands international struggled with both form and fitness during his first season at Liverpool, ultimately missing selection for the Dutch squad for the FIFA World Cup.
Under Arne Slot, he was often deployed further up the pitch instead.
Frimpong Shows Promise Under Iraola
Preseason training under Iraola has yielded different results, with Frimpong notably performing well as a right-back during the match against Como at Anfield on Sunday.
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The former Celtic player now seems poised to make an impact for the 2024/25 Premier League champions under Iraola, having finally found his place within the team.
“Frimpong then drew the plaudits down the other end with a superb tackle to deny Como inside the penalty area,” a report notes in the Liverpool Echo.
“At a time when the Reds look light on that side of the pitch, this was an encouraging outing from the versatile former Bayer Leverkusen man.
“Questions remain about where he is most effective and best suited, but Iraola clearly sees Frimpong as an adventurous right-back.
“If he can stay injury-free, he stands a decent chance of making his second season much more productive at Anfield.”
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Frimpong’s $30 Million Value Rising
This resurgence in form for Frimpong comes at a crucial moment. Liverpool has struggled to find an adequate replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold so far.
With Bradley injured and Joe Gomez also inconsistent, Frimpong now appears ready to fulfill an essential role for the new Spanish head coach.
Liverpool appear to have finally solved their centre-back crisis.
A few weeks ago Andoni Iraola was forced to use inexperienced pair Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Mor Talla Ndiaye at the heart of the defence. And forgotten man Luke Chambers also had preseason outings in the position.
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But with Virgil van Dijk returning to the fold – and Jeremy Jacquet coming in for his debut in impressive fashion – some calm has been restored.
That’s before we mention the loan signing of Ronald Araujo – and the imminent comeback from injury for Giovanni Leoni. Far from being a position of vulnerability all of a sudden things are looking up for the central defensive positions.
Liverpool have got issues to solve at right-back
There are however still issues to resolve at right-back.
Conor Bradley’s comeback date from a serious knee injury remains uncertain and no doubt Iraola will be seeking to avoid using midfielders in that position as cover.
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It opens the door for Jeremie Frimpong to stake a claim for the position – provided of course that the Anfield club do not seek to add a new performer in the transfer market.
The 25-year-old was signed from Bayer Leverkusen last summer after the Reds triggered a release clause of around £30m.
But the Netherlands international struggled for form and fitness throughout his maiden Liverpool campaign – ultimately missing out on the Dutch squad for the FIFA World Cup.
under Arne Slot with the former Liverpool head coach using him further up the field instead.
Frimpong rejuvenated under Iraola
But preseason under Iraola has told a different story – with Frimpong particularly impressive at right-back versus Como on Sunday at Anfield.
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The former Celtic star now appears ready to shine for the 2024/25 Premier League champions under Iraola having found his role at last.
“Frimpong then drew the plaudits down the other end with a superb tackle to deny Como inside the penalty area,” a report reads in the Liverpool Echo.
“At a time when the Reds look light on that side of the pitch, this was an encouraging outing from the versatile former Bayer Leverkusen man.
“Questions remain about where he is most effective and best suited but Iraola clearly sees Frimpong as an adventurous right-back.
“If he can stay injury-free, he stands a decent chance of making his second season much more productive at Anfield.”
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£30m Frimpong’s welcome upturn in form
This upturn in form could not have come at a better time. Liverpool have simply been unable to adequately replace Trent Alexander-Arnold thus far.
Bradley has been injured – and inconsistent – while the same could be said for Joe Gomez. Finally Frimpong is looking the part – with the £30m acquisition now looking ready to solve a problem position for the new Spanish head coach.
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