Jeremie Frimpong: What would ‘enormously dangerous' Bayer Leverkusen right-back bring to Man Utd? - Inside Europe
Updated 05/04/2023 at 15:21 GMT
Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong has caught the eye in Germany this season, scoring eight goals and registering nine assists in all competitions, with his form reportedly attracting the attention of Manchester United. But could the 22-year-old adapt to life at Old Trafford and what are his biggest strengths? We reached out to Eurosport Germany's Dennis Melzer to get the verdict.
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Manchester United are said to be interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong this summer.
The 22-year-old has caught the eye playing under Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso this season, scoring eight goals and registering nine assists in all competitions.
The Dutchman - who was on the scoresheet as Leverkusen beat Schalke 3-0 at the weekend, helping the side climb into seventh – began his career at Manchester City before joining Celtic in September 2019.
With his contract due to expire in June 2025, could he make a return to Manchester? And if Erik ten Hag’s side were to acquire his signature, what would he offer to the team?
We reached out to Eurosport Germany’s Dennis Melzer to see whether Frimpong would make a good signing at Old Trafford.
“At Leverkusen, he plays together with Moussa Diaby on the right side and together they form probably the fastest duo in the Bundesliga,” said Melzer when asked about Frimpong’s best position and his biggest strengths.
“Leverkusen's attacking play is mostly via the right side. And although opponents try to focus their play on the two of them, Diaby and Frimpong regularly get through.
“Frimpong is also enormously dangerous in front of goal for a nominally ‘defensive’ player. You just have to look at his stats - eight goals in Bundesliga.”
Melzer described Frimpong’s form this season as “outstanding”, adding: “He is one of the absolute top performers this season and a weapon.
“Even when things were not going well at Leverkusen at the beginning of the season, he was one of the few bright spots in the team, together with Diaby.
“Now that the whole team is playing strongly under Alonso, Frimpong is underlining his class even more.”
He rarely plays in a back four for Leverkusen. So, where would he fit in at United? Would he work in a back four?
“I believe that he is used in the perfect position for him at Leverkusen,” Melzer continued.
“He can make the most of his speed and his ability to score goals. As a right-back in a classic back four, I personally see his great qualities somewhat wasted. Frimpong is not the greatest monster in defence.”
Frimpong is a former Manchester City academy player but failed to make an appearance for the first team, before he moved to Glasgow and therefore has no experience in the Premier League.
So, how does Melzer feel he would adapt should he make the move to England’s top division?
“That is always difficult to predict,” admitted Melzer. “He comes from the Manchester City youth team and is therefore already familiar with England.
“The only question is whether he will fit into Manchester United's system with a classic back four, for example. He simply adapted so well to the existing system at Leverkusen.”
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Jeremie Frimpong
Image credit: Getty Images
Quite surprisingly, given his form, Frimpong was left out of Ronald Koeman’s first Netherlands squad for last month’s Euro 2024 qualifiers, meaning he is yet to make his international debut.
That would suggest there are still some weaknesses in his game, so what are they?
“If the words of Koeman are to be believed, he needs to improve his defensive play,” Melzer explained.
“If the words of Koeman are to be believed, he needs to improve his defensive play,” Melzer explained.
“But since he is used more offensively in Leverkusen, his work at the back is not as essential as in the position of the classic right-back.”
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