2 passes, 2 chances: Frimpong’s unique return shows what LFC have been missing

Liverpool were without Frimpong for five games due to the groin injury he suffered early on against Qarabag in the Champions League, forcing midfielders to fill in mainly at right-back.

But the Dutchman’s return should give Arne Slot the momentum he needs, and he has already seen the benefits after Frimpong’s brief but impressive cameo.

Liverpool’s number 30 was introduced from the bench with thirteen minutes to play on Saturday and managed just seven touches and two passes.

Normally you’d gloss over a cameo like that, but those two passes led to Axel Disasi’s own goal and Trey Nyoni’s chance for his first senior goal.

They both came from close range or inside the penalty area, like FotMob‘s heat map shows (above) a danger zone that Joe Gomez didn’t exploit very often during his 77-minute outing.

Frimpong was also successful with his only dribbling attempt, one of only three Reds to complete one during the match, while Gomez attempted none.

Liverpool lacked pace from wide positions

It underlines the importance of a front-foot player who is both able and willing to make explosive runs into the penalty area and stretch the pitch, something Liverpool have lacked this season.

There is the obvious caveat that West Ham were tired by the time Frimpong was introduced, but it was another reminder of how desperately the Reds needed speed and dynamism.

And it is paramount that Frimpong stays fit between now and the end of the season.

With Mo Salah no longer the electric force he once was and Cody Gakpo also lacking blistering pace, Liverpool have had to find it elsewhere, which is why injuries to the right-back are costly.

Rio Ngumoha is another option on the left wing who can be injected to make something happen, as we saw at Nottingham Forest, but Slot is keen to protect the 17-year-old.

Expect this to be the focus during the summer transfer window, but for now the majority of Liverpool’s eggs may be in Frimpong’s basket.

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