Jeremie Frimpong has rapidly emerged as one of the most exciting and sought-after talents in world football. Renowned for his electrifying pace, relentless attacking runs, and significant goal contributions from a defensive position, Frimpong embodies the evolution of the modern full-back.
His journey from Manchester City’s academy to becoming a Bundesliga champion with Bayer Leverkusen and, as of 2025, a key acquisition for Liverpool, highlights a career trajectory fueled by dedication, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to his unique playing style.
Who is Jeremie Frimpong? A Profile of the Rising Star
Born on December 10, 2000, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Jeremie Agyekum Frimpong is a Dutch professional footballer who primarily operates as a right wing-back or right-back. His early life saw him move to England at the age of seven, where he quickly caught the attention of top Premier League academies.
He joined Manchester City’s youth setup at the age of nine, progressing through their ranks and honing his skills. Despite never making a senior appearance for City, his potential was evident.
Frimpong’s senior career began with a move to Scottish giants Celtic in 2019, where he quickly became a fan favorite. His explosive performances in Scotland earned him a transfer to Bayer Leverkusen in January 2021, a move that proved to be a pivotal point in his career.
Under the guidance of Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen, Frimpong flourished, playing a crucial role in their historic unbeaten Bundesliga triumph in the 2023-24 season. As of May 2025, he has made a significant transfer to Liverpool, a testament to his growing stature in the game. He also represents the Netherlands national team, making his senior debut in October 2023.
Defining the Modern Wing-Back
To understand Frimpong’s impact, it’s essential to define the role of a modern wing-back. This position demands exceptional athletic ability, combining defensive solidity with offensive flair. Unlike traditional full-backs who primarily focus on defensive duties, wing-backs are expected to provide width in attack, create chances, and even score goals, while also tracking back diligently. Frimpong perfectly encapsulates this hybrid role, often behaving more like a winger than a defender when his team is in possession.
The Arsenal of a Dynamic Full-Back: Frimpong’s Strengths
Jeremie Frimpong’s playing style is characterized by a blend of blistering pace, exceptional dribbling, and intelligent attacking movement. These attributes make him a constant threat on the right flank.
Blistering Pace and Acceleration
One of Frimpong’s most undeniable strengths is his incredible speed. He possesses an explosive burst of acceleration that allows him to effortlessly surge past opponents, whether in defensive recovery or attacking transitions. In the 2024-25 Bundesliga season, he consistently ranked among the fastest players, demonstrating his ability to cover ground rapidly and impact both ends of the pitch. This pace is a significant asset in overloading flanks and initiating quick counter-attacks.
Dribbling Prowess and Offensive Driving
Frimpong’s ability to carry the ball forward is exceptional. His successful take-on rate is consistently high, indicating his confidence and skill in one-on-one situations. He excels at progressive carries, moving the ball into dangerous areas and putting opposing defenders on the back foot.
This directness in his play is a key reason for his high number of touches in the attacking penalty area (99th percentile for positional peers over the last 365 days, according to FBref.com), highlighting his constant presence in goal-scoring zones.
Goal Contributions and Chance Creation
While primarily a defender, Frimpong’s offensive output is outstanding. During the 2023-24 season with Bayer Leverkusen, he recorded an impressive 14 goals and 7 assists across all competitions. Even in the 2024-25 season, he continued to contribute significantly with 5 goals and 11 assists, showcasing his evolution into a genuine attacking threat.
His expected assisted goals (xAG) and non-penalty expected goals (npxG) metrics consistently rank in the top percentiles, underscoring his ability to not only create chances but also get into positions to finish them. He is a prolific shot-creator, contributing significantly to his team’s attacking actions.
Defensive Transitions and Work Rate
Despite his attacking inclinations, Frimpong’s defensive work rate is commendable. His recovery speed allows him to track back effectively and disrupt opposition attacks, turning defense into attack with swift transitions. While his traditional defensive metrics like tackles and interceptions might not always be elite (often in the lower percentiles compared to other fullbacks, as per FBref.com), his role as a wing-back in a system like Xabi Alonso’s at Leverkusen often dictates a more forward-thinking approach, relying on his pace for recovery challenges rather than static defending.
A Glimpse into Frimpong’s Journey: Career Highlights
Jeremie Frimpong’s career has been marked by consistent progression and significant achievements at every club he has represented.
Celtic Success (2019-2021)
After joining Celtic in 2019, Frimpong quickly established himself as a vibrant force on the right flank. He was part of the Celtic squad that achieved a domestic treble in the 2019-20 season, winning the Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup, and Scottish League Cup. His dynamic performances in Scotland laid the groundwork for his future success.
Bundesliga Dominance with Bayer Leverkusen (2021-2025)
Frimpong’s move to Bayer Leverkusen in January 2021 saw him truly blossom. Under Xabi Alonso, he became an integral part of a revolutionary side. The 2023-24 season was historic for Leverkusen, as they lifted the Bundesliga title without suffering a single defeat – a remarkable feat. Frimpong’s consistent contributions, including vital goals and assists, were central to this unprecedented success.
New Chapter at Liverpool (2025 onwards)
In a significant move in May 2025, Jeremie Frimpong joined Premier League champions Liverpool. This transfer, reportedly triggering a £29.5 million ($40 million) release clause, signifies a new and exciting chapter in his career.
He is expected to fill the void left by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure to Real Madrid, bringing a different but equally potent attacking dimension to Liverpool’s right flank. His arrival, alongside former Leverkusen teammate Florian Wirtz, suggests a tactical evolution for the Merseyside club under Arne Slot.
Recent Trends and the Future of the Wing-Back
As of 2025, the trend in elite football continues to favor highly offensive full-backs and wing-backs. Teams are increasingly looking for players who can provide genuine attacking threat from wide defensive positions, contributing to goal-scoring and chance creation. This shift is driven by tactical innovations, with many top clubs employing systems that allow full-backs to push high up the pitch, often acting as auxiliary wingers.
Frimpong perfectly aligns with this trend. His playing style is a prime example of the kind of dynamism modern coaches seek. His move to Liverpool underscores this, as he offers a distinct profile compared to Alexander-Arnold, focusing more on progressive carries and direct dribbling into advanced areas.
This versatility and attacking output are becoming non-negotiable for top-tier full-backs. The future of the wing-back role will likely continue to emphasize attacking prowess, with defensive responsibilities managed by tactical schemes and cover from central midfielders and defenders.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Wing-Backs
For young footballers aspiring to emulate Jeremie Frimpong’s success as a modern wing-back, here are some key areas to focus on:
Develop Exceptional Pace and Stamina: Speed is paramount for covering the length of the pitch in both attack and defense. Regular sprint training and endurance exercises are crucial.
Master Dribbling and Ball Control: The ability to beat an opponent one-on-one and carry the ball effectively is vital for progressing play and creating attacking opportunities.
Improve Crossing and Final Ball Delivery: Accurate crosses and incisive passes into the box are essential for creating goal-scoring chances for teammates.
Understand Tactical Positioning: Learn when to overlap, when to underlap, and when to hold width. A good understanding of defensive positioning and recovery runs is also critical.
Work on Defensive Transitions: Quickly switching from attack to defense and tracking back effectively is a hallmark of an elite wing-back.
Be Versatile: Be comfortable playing in both a back four and a back five system, and adapt to different tactical demands.
Real-Life Example: Frimpong’s Impact at Leverkusen
A perfect real-life example of Frimpong’s impact is his role in Bayer Leverkusen’s 2023-24 Bundesliga season. Under Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen primarily operated with a 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 formation, which perfectly suited Frimpong as a right wing-back. He was given significant freedom to push high up the pitch, almost acting as a right winger.
In their crucial matches, Frimpong’s bursts of pace down the right flank often unhinged opposition defenses. His ability to receive the ball in advanced positions and drive into the penalty area created numerous chances, either through his own shots or by setting up teammates.
For instance, in a pivotal match against Bayern Munich, his constant threat and an assist directly contributed to a significant victory that propelled Leverkusen towards the title. This season demonstrated how a coach can build a system that maximizes a player’s unique strengths, turning a defensive position into a potent attacking weapon.
FAQ
What is Jeremie Frimpong’s primary playing position?
Jeremie Frimpong primarily plays as a right wing-back or right-back. He is renowned for his attacking contributions from this defensive position.
Which clubs has Jeremie Frimpong played for in his senior career?
Jeremie Frimpong has played for Celtic (2019-2021), Bayer Leverkusen (2021-2025), and as of 2025, he has joined Liverpool.
What are Jeremie Frimpong’s key strengths as a player?
Frimpong’s key strengths include his exceptional pace, dynamic dribbling ability, constant attacking runs, and significant contributions in terms of goals and assists from a wide defensive position.
Has Jeremie Frimpong won any major titles?
Yes, Jeremie Frimpong has won several major titles, including the Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup, and Scottish League Cup with Celtic (2019-20), and the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal with Bayer Leverkusen (2023-24). He also won the DFL-Supercup with Leverkusen in 2024.
How much did Liverpool pay for Jeremie Frimpong?
As of May 2025, Liverpool reportedly triggered a £29.5 million (approximately $40 million USD or €35 million) release clause in Jeremie Frimpong’s contract with Bayer Leverkusen.
Final Thoughts
Jeremie Frimpong’s ascent to the top tier of European football is a testament to his exceptional talent and the evolving nature of defensive roles in the modern game. His electrifying pace, dribbling prowess, and significant attacking contributions have made him a game-changer. As he embarks on his new journey with Liverpool in the Premier League, all eyes will be on how he continues to redefine the wing-back position and add to his already impressive list of achievements. His career thus far serves as an inspiring example of how raw talent, coupled with the right tactical environment and dedication, can lead to footballing superstardom.
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