Liverpool defender Jeremie Frimpong backs himself to fill Alexander-Arnold's 'big boots'

Liverpool defender Jeremie Frimpong, signed from German giants Bayer Leverkusen, has backed himself to fill Trent Alexander-Arnold’s “big boots” at Anfield, following the Englishman’s exit to Real Madrid this summer.

Frimpong joined from Bayer Leverkusen after the Premier League champions triggered the €35 million (£29.5m) release clause.

In the 2024/25 season, the 24-year-old right-back scored five goals and produced six assists in Bundesliga.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has high hopes for the right-back, who can also play as a winger and is likely to be the replacement for Alexander-Arnold.

Alexander-Arnold joined Los Blancos for a fee of €10 million due to the Spanish club’s insistence on having him join manager Xabi Alonso’s squad for the new-look Club World Cup held in the United States.

Despite helping guide Liverpool to a second Premier League title, Alexander-Arnold left for Real Madrid this summer.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Frimpong is adamant about the challenge of filling the void left by the England international.

He said: “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. I’ve always believed in myself. I’m a winner. That’s what I’ll bring.”

He added: “The Premier League is the best league in the world. I grew up in Manchester so I always wanted to come back. It was always the plan.

“I know what being a champion is like at Bayer Leverkusen so joining a champion team is a privilege, especially for Liverpool. To go from watching them to playing for them is crazy. The manager has told me how I can help the team and he really likes me as a player. It’s given me extra motivation and belief.”

The Reds have spent almost £150 million on securing the Bayer Leverkusen pair Frimpong and Florian Wirtz, who were snapped up for a club-record £116 million fee.

Joined by his friend as a new Liverpool player, Frimpong is excited for fans to see what a special gem Wirtz is.

He said: “He’s my boy. He’s a winner – a very, very special player and very hard-working. The league will love him. I won’t have to talk much, just watch him.

“He doesn’t crumble under pressure, he likes pressure. He’s a guy that makes you enjoy football with the way he plays.”