Liverpool could see a number of changes to their starting XI when the new season rolls around in August.
Arne Slot has deployed a relatively constant group of 14 or 15 players this term, often changing very little from game to game.
That looks likely to be different in 2025/26, however, with a number of positions due for an upgrade at Liverpool.
One of those that is certain to see a new player take the reins is at right-back, where Trent Alexander-Arnold has left after almost nine years in the Liverpool first-team.
Conor Bradley has been tipped to succeed Alexander-Arnold, but after Liverpool signed Jeremie Frimpong on Friday, there is a possibility that the new man is Slot’s first choice.
Looking ahead to what Frimpong could offer Liverpool, former Reds winger Ryan Babel has highlighted one big difference between the Dutchman and Alexander-Arnold.
Jeremie Frimpong is a better defender than Trent Alexander-Arnold
Given that Frimpong has often played in a more attacking role for Bayer Leverkusen, there is some debate around whether the 24-year-old will even be used as a right-back by Slot.
However, with Bradley the other option, it is clear that Frimpong will spend at least some of his time at Liverpool as an orthodox full-back.
And according to Babel, that could be a good thing. Asked whether he was happy with Frimpong’s arrival at Liverpool while appearing on beIN SPORTS, the former Netherlands international offered an insight into what fans can expect to see.
“Yes, exciting signing for Liverpool,” Babel said. “A player with a lot of energy, an electric player who likes to go forward. I don’t know him personally, but what I can see from the outside he is a great teammate to have. Not only is he defensively strong but he also has a great attacking force and understands the game. A great signing for Liverpool.”
Asked what Liverpool would get from Frimpong that they would not from Alexander-Arnold, Babel highlighted his countryman’s defensive strengths.
“The debate was always whether Trent was a good defender,” he said. “I actually agree with Slot’s comments not too long ago, I think he was a way better defender than what we believe him to be, but he maybe didn’t always show it in key moments.
“With the new signing I believe you have a more stable defender who knows how to execute an attacking player and that’s what I think the main difference will be.”
Frimpong welcomed by celebrity Liverpool fan
Part of why fans are so excited to see Frimpong arrive is because he is seemingly a great personality.
And having barely been a Liverpool player for one day, the former Celtic man has demonstrated this already.
Many Reds fans will have become aware of young supporter Isaac Kearney this season. A sufferer of Wolf Hirschhorn Syndrome, Isaac has become famous for his love of Liverpool and his fantastic renditions of his favourite Reds-based songs.
The young man has also appeared alongside many Liverpool players, with his friendship with Kostas Tsimikas offering up some particularly heart-warming moments.
And although Tsimikas may be leaving, it seems Isaac may have found himself a new friend in Frimpong. After performing a welcome video for the Netherlands international on Friday, Isaac received a message from Liverpool’s newest player.
“Thank you for the warm welcome, Isaac,” Frimpong wrote back along with a heart emoji on Saturday. He’s going to be a hit.
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