Exclusive: Two new signings could cost Liverpool “winning the league by 9-12 points”, says ex-Red
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Former Liverpool star Stan Collymore has expressed confidence in Liverpool’s new full-backs Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez despite some defensive frailties early in the season. Liverpool conceded two goals in each of their opening games against Crystal Palace and Bournemouth, raising some concerns about the defense. However, Collymore argues that the attacking style preferred by manager Arne Slot requires full-backs who contribute offensively, and both Frimpong and Kerkez will deliver more in attack than what they might concede defensively. He noted that while Virgil van Dijk is still a top defender, age and his partners’ defensive abilities pose challenges, but the new full-backs resemble the attacking characteristics of Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold in their prime. Collymore believes Liverpool’s ethos under Slot is to entertain and score goals, which suits Frimpong and Kerkez’s game and will benefit the team overall, especially if they can improve their defensive discipline against top teams like Manchester City and Arsenal [1].
Liverpool signed Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen for approximately £29.5m and Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth for about £40m. Both players made their unofficial debuts in a preseason win against Preston North End. Fan reaction has been positive, praising Kerkez for his pace, awareness, and bravery on the pitch, with some comparing him to a younger version of Robertson who can also shoot. Fans see him as a reliable addition who can contribute significantly in attack, potentially even securing a regular starting spot ahead of Frimpong [2].
Earlier in the summer, Liverpool targeted Kerkez following Frimpong’s signing to rejuvenate their full-back positions amid the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold and the aging Andrew Robertson. The club viewed the pair as excellent signings to restore strength and dynamism in those areas, with Kerkez seen as an ideal successor to Robertson. Liverpool are also ready to sell Kostas Tsimikas to accommodate Kerkez’s arrival and remain compliant with financial regulations [3].
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