Ruud Gullit has shared his thoughts on the rumours linking Jeremy Frimpong from Liverpool to Chelsea, highlighting the Dutchman's attacking qualities.
Frimpong's time at Bayer Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso has boosted his profile, with the player emerging as a potent threat on the right flank.
Gullit: Frimpong is more of a winger than a defender
In an interview with ComeOn, Gullit expressed a belief that right-back is not the ideal position for Frimpong:
“The problem with Jeremy Frimpong is that he is a right winger, but Liverpool use him as a right back, which is not his position. He is a right winger, not a right back.”
Gullit also connected Frimpong's potential use at Chelsea with the departure of Mohamed Salah from Liverpool:
“Listen, nobody can replace Mohamed Salah. That’s too difficult. But that’s the position Frimpong is best suited for.”
Gullit suggests that Frimpong would thrive further up the pitch on the right, where his speed and ability to take on defenders would be his greatest assets. Analysts have noted his attacking profile as a key aspect of his game.
Can Alonso change the situation?
Gullit also discussed the prospect of Frimpong reuniting with Alonso at Chelsea.
“Can Xabi Alonso offer him more suitable conditions at Chelsea? Well, the transfer window is closed. Let people talk.”
This indicates that Gullit hasn't confirmed any discussions between Chelsea and Frimpong, but rather speculates on the player's potential role under Alonso.
Frimpong himself has previously expressed his willingness to play in various positions:
“I’m an attacking defender. Whether I play as a right winger, right back, or right wing-back, I approach the game the same way.”
This versatility does allow the coach to push the Dutchman further up the field.
Frimpong remains a Liverpool player
Despite the chatter, Frimpong is under a long-term contract with Liverpool. Any move to Chelsea would require negotiations between the clubs.
The interest in the player extends beyond his connection with Alonso, as Frimpong has already shown he can effectively operate in an attacking role. During his time at Bayer, he frequently occupied advanced positions on the right flank, with experts highlighting his play style as more akin to that of a winger or wing-back than a traditional right-back.
