Signed to Replace Trent — So Why Isn’t Frimpong Playing Right-Back?

4 May

It’s a question a lot of Liverpool FC fans are starting to ask.

Arne Slot brought in Jeremie Frimpong — a player widely regarded as one of the most exciting attacking right-backs in Europe during his time at Bayer 04 Leverkusen — to fill the void left by Trent Alexander-Arnold.

But instead of seeing him consistently in that role, we’re watching:

  • Curtis Jones play there
  • Dominik Szoboszlai used there

And it just doesn’t add up.

The whole point of the signing

Let’s be honest — you don’t sign a player like Frimpong to sit him out of position or on the sidelines.

At Leverkusen, he built his reputation on:

  • Explosive pace
  • Direct attacking play
  • Overlapping runs
  • End product in the final third

He wasn’t just a right-back — he was a constant attacking outlet.

So if that’s what you’re buying… why aren’t you using it?

Tactical flexibility — or overthinking?

I understand the idea behind tactical flexibility.

Slot clearly wants:

  • Control in midfield
  • Players comfortable on the ball
  • Different in-game options

But there’s a fine line between flexibility and overcomplicating things.

Playing midfielders at right-back while a natural, elite option is available feels like:
👉 Solving a problem that doesn’t exist
👉 Creating imbalance elsewhere

It weakens more than one area

This isn’t just about Frimpong.

By moving players like Jones or Szoboszlai out of position, Liverpool are:

  • Weakening their midfield
  • Disrupting defensive structure
  • Losing natural balance in the team

Instead of strengthening one area, it ends up affecting two.

A question of trust?

It also raises a bigger question:

Does Slot fully trust Frimpong in that role?

Because if he doesn’t, then:
👉 Why sign him?
👉 Why not use what he’s best at?

A sign of bigger issues

For me, this feels like more than just a tactical choice.

It’s another example of what looks like mismanagement from Arne Slot — overthinking situations and not making the most of the players available.

When decisions like this keep happening, it starts to feel like the team is being held back rather than helped.

Final thought

This isn’t about one game or one decision.

It’s about clarity.

If you sign one of the best attacking right-backs in Europe, the expectation is simple:

👉 Play him at right-back.

Right now, it feels like Liverpool have the solution — but aren’t using it.

And that’s what makes it so frustrating.

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Jamie (The Kopite View)

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