--- title: "Frimpong’s identity crisis forces Liverpool’s hand" description: "Glen Johnson’s ultimatum exposes a right-back crisis under Iraola—Ben White lurks as the ready-made alternative." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/liverpool-star-must-decide-what-sort-of-player-he-wants-to-3a6f6d38 published: 2026-07-01T19:18:48.024+00:00 updated: 2026-07-01T19:18:48.024+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["soccer"] --- # Frimpong’s identity crisis forces Liverpool’s hand > Glen Johnson’s ultimatum exposes a right-back crisis under Iraola—Ben White lurks as the ready-made alternative. Liverpool legend Glen Johnson has delivered a blunt ultimatum to Jeremie Frimpong: decide what kind of player you want to be or risk losing your place in the starting XI. Johnson, now a Sky Sports pundit, framed the choice as existential for the Dutch international, who has alternated between right-back and wing-back roles since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen in 2021. Speaking on *The Debate*, Johnson rated Frimpong’s recent displays at "six out of ten"—a verdict that falls well short of the elite standard required at Anfield. His verdict landed days after Liverpool’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester United, a result that underscored the fragility of Iraola’s backline and the urgency of addressing the right-back conundrum. The pressure on Frimpong has intensified with the emergence of Arsenal’s Ben White as a ready-made Premier League alternative. Johnson explicitly named White as the kind of "complete" defender Liverpool now needs, citing his consistency and Premier League pedigree. The nod to White is no idle speculation: Arsenal’s right-back has been a model of reliability under Mikel Arteta, and his profile aligns with Iraola’s preference for technically sound, positionally aware full-backs. Transfer-market chatter has already linked White with a move to Anfield, though Arsenal have repeatedly rebuffed approaches. Frimpong’s own comments suggest he’s aware of the scrutiny. In a recent interview, the 23-year-old insisted he’s "hungry to prove" himself under Iraola, but his actions have yet to silence doubters. The Dutchman’s heat maps from last season show him drifting into advanced positions that often leave Liverpool exposed on the counter, a trade-off that has drawn criticism from pundits and fans alike. With Liverpool chasing a top-four finish and a first Champions League return in five years, Iraola cannot afford to gamble on potential over proven output. What’s next: Liverpool’s transfer window reopens in January, but the clock is ticking now. Iraola’s next squad selection will speak volumes—will he double down on Frimpong with a vote of confidence, or will the January window bring a marquee signing to finally stabilize the right flank? The answer could define Liverpool’s trajectory for the next 18 months. ## Why this matters Liverpool’s right-back has been a revolving door since Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure. Andoni Iraola needs a settled starter to mount a title challenge, and Jeremie Frimpong’s inconsistency is pushing the club toward external options like Ben White. The pressure is on Frimpong to clarify his identity—attacking wing-back, defensive rock, or something in between—or watch his place go to a proven Premier League option. ## Frequently asked ### Who issued the warning to Jeremie Frimpong? Former Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson told Sky Sports that Frimpong must decide "what sort of player he wants to be" or risk losing his spot to competition. ### Which player is being floated as Frimpong’s replacement? Arsenal’s Ben White has been named by Johnson as a potential alternative if Frimpong fails to elevate his performances to an elite level. ### Who is Liverpool’s current manager? Andoni Iraola took charge at Liverpool in the summer of 2024, inheriting a right-back position that has lacked stability since Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure. ### What rating did Johnson give Frimpong’s current form? Johnson described Frimpong’s performances as "six out of ten," suggesting the Dutch international has not consistently met the standards expected of a Liverpool starter. ### Why is Liverpool’s right-back position under scrutiny? The position has been unsettled since Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid, with Frimpong struggling to cement a consistent role under Iraola’s system. ## Sources & Citations - [Liverpool star must 'decide what sort of player he wants to be' or risk being replaced](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-star-must-decide-what-34143836) — GNews.io (2026-06-19) --- Cite: Frimpong’s identity crisis forces Liverpool’s hand. Sportopod, 2026-07-01. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/liverpool-star-must-decide-what-sort-of-player-he-wants-to-3a6f6d38