Liverpool receive plenty of praise when they sign players that go on to excel, but it is the work that goes on behind the scenes that sets them up for success.

The Reds’ summer of change is in full swing as Arne Slot looks to prepare his side to retain the Premier League title.

Liverpool’s pre-season tour is where the work really begins, meaning that players have a short break until they get down to business.

First, many have been playing for their respective national teams, with this a chance to experiment and show their different capabilities.

Jeremie Frimpong quietly let Liverpool fans know just how good Richard Hughes really is at his job - opinion	Liverpool star doesn’t realise what a big deal he is, reveals Northern Ireland team-mate	Cody Gakpo responds to Bayern Munich transfer rumors and Liverpool signing Jeremie Frimpong

New Liverpool signing Jeremie Frimpong proved just that when he played for the Netherlands, suggesting that Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes have put more planning into this transfer than many would have thought.

Photo by Nikki Dyer – LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Frimpong was signed to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold and compete with Conor Bradley for the right-back position, although he has proven that he is much more than that.

The Dutchman started at right wing for the Netherlands during their 0-2 win over Finland, with his attacking capabilities on full display.

His electric pace and composure in the final third are what make him different from the conventional full-back, with the 22-year-old almost operating solely as a winger at times for Bayer Leverkusen over the last few years.

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He may not have got on the scoresheet or provided an assist, but his performance was another indication of how Liverpool have another star on their hands, with his £29.5m release clause looking like an absolute steal.

Like many players in the Liverpool squad, versatility is key and will put you in good stead under Arne Slot, but Frimpong’s might prove more vital than many may yet realise.

When Mohamed Salah is fit, he usually plays almost every single minute for Liverpool, especially in the Premier League and Champions League.

However, every two years, Liverpool fans worry about how they will manage without him when he goes to the African Cup of Nations, but Frimpong can provide excellent cover in his absence next season, which could be up to 10 games.

Frimpong’s output in the final third is driven by his ball-carrying ability, electrifying pace and composure in and around the box, all traits that Salah is synonymous with.

2024/25 League StatsMohamed SalahJeremie FrimpongAppearances5248Goals345Assists2312Stats from Transfemarkt and correct as of 08/06/25

Sourcing a replacement for the Egyptian has proven near impossible in the past as the Reds have to find a player who does not mind playing very little while Salah is available, while ensuring they have the quality to compete and do not come at too high a cost.

However, Frimpong seems to have solved this issue and his versatility means fans can expect to see him in the starting XI most weeks, with the Dutchman potentially being essential in Liverpool’s tricky period while their top scorer is on international duty.