Arne Slot on Liverpool's Full-Back Transition and Squad Progress
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has described the club's current full-back setup as a work in progress amid the transition following the end of the Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson era. The new full-backs, including Jeremie Frimpong, Josip Kerkez, and Conor Bradley, have faced challenges due to injuries and load management, which have limited their immediate impact on the team.
Frimpong, who joined Liverpool from Bournemouth in the summer, has shown notable improvement after overcoming a second hamstring injury. He has contributed assists for teammates Hugo Ekitiké and Ryan Gravenberch in recent victories over Tottenham and Wolves. Kerkez, a summer signing from Bayer Leverkusen, is valued alongside Frimpong for their pace, which fits the demands of the modern game.
Florian Wirtz, another recent signing from Bayer Leverkusen, scored his first goal for Liverpool in the win over Wolves. His transfer has been cited as potentially around £116 million, and he is still adapting to his new environment.
Liverpool currently remain unbeaten in seven games and hold the fourth position in the Premier League standings ahead of Leeds United's visit to Anfield on New Year's Day. Slot expressed optimism about continued progress, anticipating further improvement in the second half of the season as the squad settles and new signings integrate, highlighting that increased time together enhances the prospects for success.
