Ronald Koeman makes Jeremie Frimpong feelings clear after Liverpool transfer - 'In my opinion'

Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman speaks with Jeremie Frimpong

Via echo

Ronald Koeman has revealed he doesn’t consider right-back to be Jeremie Frimpong’s best position.

Liverpool signed the Netherlands international in a £29.5m deal from Bayer Leverkusen last month as a replacement for departing vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold.

While the Reds play with a back four, Leverkusen predominantly lined up with three centre-backs and wing-backs.

But while it might not have been his usual position in Germany, Frimpong does still have experience as a full-back.

However, the 24-year-old can also play further forward in a front three, with such versatility proving to be additional motivation for Liverpool ahead of making their move.

Frimpong can be used as an alternative to Mohamed Salah, with the Egyptian set to miss up to 10 matches when the Africa Cup of Nations takes place this winter.

And Koeman has admitted he actually considers right winger to be the Dutchman’s best position.

Koeman

“I think it's the first time that Jeremie and Denzel played together,”

“In my opinion, Jeremie is a right winger on the ball.

“Denzel will have to deal with that. He has that ability. It's also a lot of experience and playing matches with Jeremie. I'm positive about that.”

Frimpong won his 13th international cap against Finland as Koeman handed him his seventh start.

Only two of his Netherlands appearances have come at right-back, with five of his starts and five of his substitute outings coming as a right-winger.

While Frimpong is a very different type of player to Alexander-Arnold, Koeman's faith in his attacking abilities and on the ball at least bode well as Liverpool head into a season without their long-serving full-back for the first time in 10 years.

But while Frimpong might have played predominantly as a wing-back for Leverkusen and right-winger for the Netherlands, Bundesliga pundit Erik Meijer insists playing at full-back will not be a problem for the Liverpool summer signing.

Meijer

“No (it won’t be an issue for him), because Leverkusen also swapped the system,”

“In some games they played with four at the back and he was the one on the right side. So for him it's not a problem, he played both systems.

“That's a big bonus for Frimpong because he can play both positions (right-back and right wing), so more to the back or more offensively and that's the same what (Xabi) Alonso did with him.

“Sometimes he played in the back four and sometimes he just played the offensive, more offensive role.”

“That's always nice for a coach, that you have somebody in that position who's flexible.”