One of the biggest positives from Liverpool’s pre-season has been the transformation of Jeremie Frimpong under Andoni Iraola.
The Dutchman arrived at Liverpool with an obvious reputation: explosive pace, attacking instinct and an ability to destroy teams from the right-hand side.
But there were also questions about whether he could provide the defensive reliability Liverpool needed.
After watching him during pre-season, I’m starting to think Iraola may have found the perfect way to use him.
Frimpong looks liberated
Under Iraola, Frimpong looks like he has been given the freedom to play to his biggest strengths.
He’s constantly looking to get forward, combine with the attackers and attack the space behind the opposition full-back.
But there’s something else I’ve noticed.
He looks more purposeful.
Rather than simply bombing forward because he can, there appears to be much more structure to his movement.
Against Como, he was a constant threat down the right and was involved in the build-up to Liverpool’s opening goal, with his sharp play down the flank helping create the opportunity for Cody Gakpo.
That’s exactly what you want from your right-back in an aggressive system.
Iraola could be getting the best out of him
This is where I’m particularly excited.
Iraola’s football is based around intensity, aggressive pressing, quick transitions and attacking full-backs.
That sounds almost tailor-made for Frimpong.
The Dutchman doesn’t want to sit deep.
He wants to run.
He wants to attack.
He wants to get into the final third.
And Iraola appears to be encouraging exactly that.
It’s no surprise that the manager singled Frimpong out for praise after the Como victory, alongside debutants Jérémy Jacquet and Ronald Araújo.
But can he defend?
This is still the big question.
Frimpong is naturally an attacking player, and Liverpool cannot afford to have their right side completely exposed whenever he goes forward.
That’s where the structure around him becomes so important.
If Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai can provide protection in midfield, and if one of the centre-backs is capable of covering the space behind him, Frimpong can concentrate on what he does best.
And Liverpool now have greater defensive depth behind him.
Van Dijk.
Araújo.
Jacquet.
That should give Iraola more confidence in allowing Frimpong to attack.
Frimpong could be one of Liverpool’s biggest weapons
Imagine Liverpool’s attacking shape when everything clicks.
Frimpong flying forward from the right.
Wirtz drifting between the lines.
Isak making runs in behind.
Gakpo attacking from the left.
And Ngumoha providing another direct threat.
That is an attack with pace everywhere.
And Frimpong can be the player who turns defence into attack in seconds.
He’s exactly the type of player who can make Liverpool’s football incredibly difficult to defend against.
A completely different player?
It’s still early.
Pre-season performances don’t guarantee what will happen when Newcastle arrive next Sunday.
But there is something about Frimpong under Iraola that feels different.
He looks confident.
He looks fit.
He looks dangerous.
And perhaps most importantly, he looks like a player whose manager knows exactly how to use him.
I don’t think we’ve seen the best of Frimpong in a Liverpool shirt yet.
And that is an incredibly exciting thought.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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