Alan Shearer Liverpool shock: Jeremie Frimpong ‘not comfortable’

Alan Shearer Liverpool concern has emerged after the Reds’ latest Champions League setback, with the Newcastle legend questioning Jeremie Frimpong’s fit under new manager Arne Slot. Liverpool fell to a 1-0 defeat away to Galatasaray, leaving their group stage hopes under pressure and sparking debate about the tactical direction of Slot’s reign. While much of the spotlight has been on record signing Florian Wirtz, Shearer believes Frimpong is also a problem area for the Merseyside giants.

Signed for £35m from Bayer Leverkusen, the Dutch right-back was expected to add attacking dynamism to Slot’s system. Instead, Frimpong has looked uncertain, failing to replicate the explosive form that made him a Bundesliga star. Against Galatasaray, he was deployed higher up the pitch while Dominik Szoboszlai filled in at right-back – a tactical shuffle that backfired badly. Szoboszlai conceded the penalty that decided the contest, while Frimpong struggled to make any attacking impact before being hooked after just 62 minutes. Can Slot find the right role for his summer investment, or has the Liverpool rebuild hit an early stumbling block?

Shearer, speaking on Amazon Prime, argued that Slot’s decisions point to a lack of faith in his new signing. For a player brought in at significant cost, it is an uncomfortable narrative for both manager and squad, especially with homegrown prospect Conor Bradley waiting in the wings.

Slot’s decision to move Szoboszlai into an unfamiliar right-back role while using Frimpong higher up the pitch raised eyebrows. At Leverkusen, Frimpong thrived when overlapping from deep, exploiting space with his speed. By altering his role, Slot may have stripped away his most effective qualities. Liverpool lacked balance, and Galatasaray capitalised on defensive lapses.

For Slot, the issue is twofold: fitting in new signings Wirtz and Frimpong, while also maintaining results in a challenging Champions League group. With key fixtures against Chelsea and domestic rivals looming, his tactical calls will be under the microscope.

FootballPlace analyst John William said: “Frimpong is clearly a talent, but he looks lost in this Liverpool system. Slot needs to either trust him at right-back or rethink his role entirely. Playing Szoboszlai as a full-back sent the wrong message and weakened two positions at once.”

He added: “Shearer’s concerns are valid. Liverpool invested heavily in Frimpong, and if he isn’t integrated quickly, questions about recruitment and Slot’s tactical clarity will only grow louder.”

Liverpool must regroup quickly. They face Chelsea in the Premier League this weekend before another crunch Champions League fixture that could decide their group fate. Slot will need to decide whether to persist with Frimpong in a hybrid role or restore him to his natural right-back berth.

For Frimpong, time is of the essence. Adapting to English football is never easy, but with Shearer and others already questioning his suitability, he must find form quickly to avoid being labelled a costly misfit. Supporters expected fireworks – instead, they’ve been left with doubts.

👉 Should Arne Slot give Jeremie Frimpong a defined role at right-back, or has Liverpool made an expensive mistake?