Jeremie Frimpong has massively struggled since joining Liverpool.
The Dutchman and Conor Bradley have been battling it out to become Liverpool’s starting right-back, and on more than one occasion, Frimpong has been the one left on the bench.
The two injuries he’s sustained this term haven’t helped matters much, either, with Frimpong now set to be sidelined for another six weeks.
Although some fans may just think the right-back isn’t cut out to be a Liverpool player, Arne Slot has now explained why things just haven’t gone Frimpong’s way thus far.
Arne Slot says that Jeremie Frimpong needs to get used to how many games Liverpool play per season
While speaking during his pre-Aston Villa press conference, Slot gave an insight into why some of the Reds’ new arrivals have been struggling.
“We handle the situation as it is. Alex [Isak], let me use as an example, pre-season was inside the season. People ask why he plays? Otherwise I have to play Hugo every game,” he said.
“Both strikers, Owen Hargreaves showed me, both played 34 games last season, we play 60 over here, so I need Alex having as many games as he can.
“And that has been something with him and a few others, Frimpong, Bradley, if one is out, one has to play more, hence Szoboszlai at right-back more.
“That has been something every team, so it’s not an excuse, but it was a bit different than last season, last season they all had one year PL experience as a minimum, they stayed fit.
“Now, some have to play more than you want them to, but it is just the situation as it is. We have enough to play the games, but I have to take care of a few of them, why I made the decision not to play 7 or 8.”
Not only does this show that Frimpong’s lack of gametime is intended, but it also outlines the struggles Slot has to go through to get everyone up to speed.
If players aren’t used to playing three games every seven or eight days, they’re obviously going to perform worse as they’ll be nowhere near recovered.
This is why clubs often go through transitional phases and find themselves on the back foot after bringing in several new players.
Jeremie Frimpong must come back from his injury fighting fit
Since Frimpong is set to be sidelined for the next six weeks, there’s not much he can do to keep his place in Liverpool’s starting XI.
However, upon his return from injury, it could be a make-or-break moment for the Dutchman, especially if Bradley finds himself in a decent run of form.
Of course, Frimpong will also have Dominik Szoboszlai and Calvin Ramsay to worry about, which could make his job a little harder.
The right-back should be ready to play for Liverpool again in December, and if he doesn’t take the opportunity to fight for his place in their starting XI, it could be the end of the line for the Dutchman.
This is obviously the worst outcome possible, but if it does come true, then Slot could have another big summer of spending coming his way.
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