Legendary former Chelsea manager Ruud Gullit has raised a pointed question about Liverpool's tactical deployment of Jeremie Frimpong, suggesting the club may be squandering the potential of their £29.5 million summer acquisition from Bayer Leverkusen. The 25-year-old Dutch international, who arrived at Anfield in summer 2025, is being utilized in a defensive capacity that Gullit argues fundamentally misaligns with his natural strengths as an attacking threat.
In comments to ComeOn, Gullit articulated a clear diagnosis of the issue: "The problem with Jeremie Frimpong is that he is a right winger who Liverpool are playing as a right-back and that's not his position. He's a right winger, he's not a right-back." The former Netherlands manager's assessment highlights a strategic puzzle facing Liverpool's current setup, particularly given the departed Mohamed Salah's absence from the right flank. Gullit acknowledged the gaping void left by the Egyptian superstar, stating plainly: "Nobody can replace Mohamed Salah. That is too difficult. But that is his best position." When pressed on transfer speculation connecting Frimpong with former Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso at Chelsea, Gullit remained measured, remarking: "Can Xabi Alonso offer him a better situation at Chelsea? Well, the market is closed. Let the people talk."
Frimpong's struggles at Liverpool stand in sharp contrast to his exceptional trajectory at Bayer Leverkusen, where he flourished under Alonso's guidance during their historic unbeaten domestic double-winning campaign in 2023/24. Deployed as an advanced wing-back within Alonso's 3-4-2-1 formation, the Dutchman delivered the goal and assist contributions characteristic of an elite attacking player. Since his transfer to Merseyside, however, Frimpong has found consistency elusive. Injuries and the increased defensive demands of a four-man backline system—first under previous management and now under Andoni Iraola—have constrained his explosive pace and attacking instincts that once defined his game.
Currently, Liverpool's right-wing position remains occupied by other personnel, with academy prospect Rio Ngumoha frequently deployed on the flank alongside new recruit Bradley Barcola, who shares attacking duties with in-form winger Cody Gakpo. Meanwhile, Ronald Araujo has cemented himself as Iraola's first-choice right-back, suggesting Frimpong's path to a starting role in his natural position remains blocked for the immediate future. As matters stand, the Dutch winger appears destined to operate as a squad player while Liverpool navigate the competing demands of their current tactical framework and available personnel.