Liverpool`s recent acquisition, Jeremie Frimpong, has shared his thoughts on the club`s record-breaking signing of Florian Wirtz. Frimpong, who previously played alongside Wirtz at Bayer Leverkusen, expressed confidence that his former teammate possesses the resilience needed to succeed under pressure at Anfield.
Wirtz, a 22-year-old German international, officially joined Liverpool on Friday from Bayer Leverkusen. The transfer fee is a club record, and potential add-ons could make him the most expensive player ever in the Premier League, depending on the conditions being met.
Frimpong, having witnessed Wirtz`s development firsthand throughout his tenure at Leverkusen before making his own move to the Premier League champions in early June, believes Wirtz`s on-field performance will be his main statement as he adapts to English football.
Affectionately referring to Wirtz as “my boy,” Frimpong praised him as a “winner,” highlighting his qualities as a “very special player and very hard working.” He confidently predicted that the Premier League audience “will love him.”
Frimpong further commented on Wirtz`s mindset, stating, “I won’t have to talk much, just watch him.” He particularly emphasized Wirtz`s ability to perform in demanding situations: “He doesn’t crumble under pressure, he likes pressure. He’s a guy that makes you enjoy football with the way he plays.”
Frimpong himself arrived at Liverpool to fill the void left by Trent Alexander-Arnold, who departed for Real Madrid at the beginning of June. The Dutch international admitted he always harboured a desire to return to the Premier League and feels capable of handling the significant challenge of succeeding Alexander-Arnold.
Acknowledging the shoes he has to fill, Frimpong remarked, “It’s big shoes but it’s Liverpool, it’s a big team who win trophies for a reason. If you play for Liverpool you have to fill in the shoes and perform.” He added with conviction, “I’ve always believed in myself. I’m a winner. That’s what I’ll bring.”
Frimpong described the Premier League as the “best league in the world,” citing his Manchester upbringing as a key reason for his consistent plan to return to England.
Having won the Bundesliga title with Bayer Leverkusen, Frimpong considers joining Liverpool, another club renowned for winning trophies, a “privilege.” He finds the transition from watching the team to playing for them “crazy.” He also mentioned that conversations with the manager regarding his role and receiving positive feedback have provided him with additional motivation and confidence.
