Jeremie Frimpong fails to play in four Netherlands matches, per This Is Anfield
Jeremie Frimpong endured a fourth unused appearance during the Netherlands’ 2-1 win over Serbia on Sunday, compounding a difficult start to the season that spans both club and international football, according to This Is Anfield.
International Frustration Under Xavi
Frimpong was recalled to the Netherlands setup for the extended international break after previous manager Ronald Koeman dropped him from the World Cup squad. However, under new manager Xavi, the 25-year-old failed to secure a single minute across four matches. Three of those fixtures saw him remain an unused substitute, while he was omitted from the matchday squad entirely for the first of two victories over Serbia on September 27. Nathan Ake, Robin Roefs, and Mark Flekken were the only other Dutch players to miss out on playing time entirely, though those three at least made every matchday squad.
Struggles for Regular Minutes at Liverpool
This lack of international action mirrors Frimpong’s difficult transition at Anfield following his arrival. reported that Liverpool activated a £29.5 million release clause to sign the wing-back from Bayer Leverkusen, where he contributed 14 goals and 10 assists under Xabi Alonso during a Bundesliga-winning and Europa League-reaching campaign. Yet, as the direct heir to Trent Alexander-Arnold, Frimpong managed just one assist and zero goals across all competitions in his debut campaign on Merseyside.
New Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola started Frimpong in the opening two matches of the season, but opposing sides targeted him as a defensive vulnerability during 2-2 draws against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest. Iraola subsequently replaced him with on-loan centre-back Ronald Araujo, who established himself as a standout performer over subsequent Premier League and Champions League fixtures. Frimpong’s only start in a five-match stretch came during a 3-1 Carabao Cup win over Tottenham Hotspur last month.
Iraola Weighs Right-Back Options as Bradley Recovers
Iraola retains multiple alternatives at right-back despite Conor Bradley’s ongoing absence. Joe Gomez has returned to fitness, joining Araujo and Frimpong as available options. Araujo is positioned to keep his place for the upcoming home fixture against Manchester City, provided he avoids fitness issues during international travel with Uruguay.
Meanwhile, Conor Bradley continues rehabilitation work at the AXA Training Centre. cited the Liverpool Echo and journalist Paul Gorst in reporting that Bradley remains some way off a return, but will receive time to reclaim the right-back role upon recovering, as his blend of aggression and athleticism is viewed internally as the ideal profile for the position.
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