Former Scotland midfielder Don Hutchison has criticised Jeremie Frimpong’s performances for Liverpool, claiming the Dutch defender is “nowhere near the first XI” after a poor start to life at Anfield. Hutchison believes Conor Bradley should replace him at right-back, arguing that Arne Slot must punish underperformance to restore defensive standards.
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Hutchison calls for change at right-back
Liverpool’s defensive frailties have once again come under scrutiny, with Jeremie Frimpong singled out by pundit Don Hutchison for underwhelming displays since joining from Bayer Leverkusen. Speaking after the Reds’ inconsistent start to the season, Hutchison claimed that the Dutchman’s early performances have failed to justify his €35 million price tag.
I’d have Bradley starting in the team now, absolutely,” Hutchison told reporters. “I don’t think Frimpong’s current standard gets him anywhere near the first XI for Liverpool. I’ve watched every game, and in matches like Southampton, he just kept giving the ball away. His confidence is gone.
The former Everton and Sunderland man added that Frimpong’s lack of precision in possession and defensive lapses have contributed to Liverpool’s struggles in key matches, insisting that Conor Bradley deserves an opportunity to reclaim his place.
Frimpong’s slow adaptation to Premier League demands
Frimpong arrived at Anfield over the summer with high expectations, having been one of the Bundesliga’s most dynamic full-backs under Xabi Alonso. However, adapting from Leverkusen’s high-tempo wing-back role to Arne Slot’s structured system has proven difficult.
The 23-year-old has played just 79 minutes across three Premier League matches, recording no goals or assists, while defensive errors and misplaced passes have raised concerns about his adjustment to English football’s physicality.
Slot’s tactical demands — particularly in transitions and defensive shape — have exposed areas of Frimpong’s game that require improvement. Analysts have pointed to his struggles in tracking runners and maintaining positional discipline, contrasting sharply with Bradley’s more balanced approach.
Bradley ready to step up
Conor Bradley, meanwhile, continues to strengthen his case for a starting spot. The 21-year-old impressed last season when deputising for Trent Alexander-Arnold, showcasing defensive composure and attacking intelligence. Hutchison believes now is the perfect time to restore him to the lineup as Liverpool aim to rediscover stability.
Liverpool need to go back to basics,” Hutchison said. “It needs to be Bradley at right-back. I like Frimpong’s pace, but right now he’s struggling. The team can’t afford passengers when confidence is already fragile.
He also criticised veteran Andy Robertson’s recent displays, calling for greater competition at left-back as well, suggesting that “on current form, Robertson looks exhausted — it’s time to reassess both full-back positions.”
Pressure mounting on Frimpong
Frimpong’s struggles have come amid Liverpool’s broader inconsistency under Arne Slot, who continues to search for balance in his first season in charge. With Champions League fixtures looming and Mohamed Salah expected to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations, the right flank remains one of the team’s most closely watched areas.
While Slot is unlikely to give up on Frimpong just months into his Liverpool career, it’s clear that performances, not reputation, will determine his place in the side.
For Frimpong, the next few weeks could be decisive — a chance to respond to critics, regain confidence, and prove he can live up to the standards expected at a club of Liverpool’s stature.
