Jeremie Frimpong's Pace Promises New Edge for Liverpool This Season
Early impact at Anfield
Liverpool's recruitment team were praised for their sharp work in May, securing Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen after triggering his £29.5 million release clause. The Dutch international has wasted little time in showing why Arne Slot was so keen to bring him to Anfield.
Following a lively pre-season, Frimpong has slotted straight into Liverpool's first eleven. His debut against Bournemouth gave an early glimpse of the qualities he brings. While not a mirror image of Trent Alexander-Arnold in terms of passing range and vision, the 24-year-old offers different assets that could be just as valuable to Slot's system.
Speed as a game-changing factor
Frimpong's defining feature is his speed. What he lacks in the pinpoint creativity of Alexander-Arnold, he more than compensates for in raw dynamism. His ability to surge down the right flank at pace adds a new dimension to Liverpool's attacking play.
TNT Sports highlighted that the full-back recorded the fastest top speed of the match against Bournemouth, hitting 36.1 km/h. For a debut outing, it was a statement of intent. Supporters at Anfield saw a defender who can stretch opponents, recover defensively with ease, and turn defence into attack in seconds.
Comparing pace across the Premier League
Speed has become one of the most valuable currencies in modern football, and Frimpong has already put himself into that conversation. BBC Sport confirmed that Tottenham's Micky van de Ven posted the fastest time across the Premier League last season, clocking 37.1 km/h.
Frimpong's debut sprint does not yet place him in the division's top five speeds, but the context matters. He has only played one league game in Liverpool colours so far, and with more opportunities to showcase his acceleration, he is likely to climb those rankings before the season's conclusion.
Slot's new-look Liverpool now boast pace across both flanks. With Milos Kerkez offering width and energy down the left, the Reds look equipped to stretch defences in ways they could not last term. It is a tactical evolution that makes them more unpredictable and dangerous.
Role in Liverpool's title defence
Slot's side enter this season as defending champions, and the expectations could hardly be higher. Frimpong's arrival represents not only investment but also a statement of intent. His speed ensures Liverpool can transition rapidly, while his work rate provides balance in both phases of play.
Liverpool's ability to integrate summer recruits will determine how smoothly they defend their crown. Frimpong has already shown that he can thrive under pressure, and his combination of pace and determination offers the kind of weaponry that can turn matches in the most demanding environments.
It would surprise few if Frimpong forces his way into the list of the Premier League's fastest players by the end of the season. For Liverpool, his influence is already clear.
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