Arne Slot believes Jeremie Frimpong can step up as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah later this season, as he explained the reasoning behind signing the Netherlands international.
Frimpong became Liverpool’s first acquisition of a busy summer transfer window, joining from Bayer Leverkusen in June for £29 million.
While initially brought in to help fill the void left by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid, the 24-year-old has predominantly featured in an attacking role during pre-season.
His first start in defence came in Monday’s 3-2 victory over Athletic Bilbao.
Liverpool could be without Salah for up to 10 matches across all competitions during the Christmas and New Year period, with the Egyptian set to represent his country at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Slot admitted that the anticipated absence of last season’s top scorer and Ballon d’Or contender played a part in the club’s decision to bring in Frimpong.
“We definitely thought about that and brought in Jeremie Frimpong as we think he can play as a right-back but also as a right winger,” said the Reds boss.
“We thought about the fact we are going to miss Mo for a maximum of six Premier League games, which is quite a lot in the Premier League when you see how well he did last season.
“Signing Jeremie Frimpong was for multiple reasons, one of them was that he could replace Mo if he’s not there.
“But we have other options for me to replace Mo with as well.”
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