How Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson might be replaced by Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez in Arne Slot’s succession plan

Even though Liverpool won the Premier League under Arne Slot right away, they haven’t wasted any time in the transfer market looking to bolster their team.

The versatile Jeremie Frimpong, for instance, has already been signed by the Reds and is anticipated to challenge Conor Bradley for the right-back position left empty by Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Milos Kerkez, a left-back for Bournemouth who is ready to replace the aging Andy Robertson should his move come to pass, has also been strongly linked to the champions.

Given that the attacking full-backs for the Merseysiders were essential to their success under Klopp and have remained significant under Slot, it would be reasonable to assume that these acquisitions could represent a major transitional moment at Anfield.

While Robertson was acquired from relegated Hull City for a mere £8 million, Klopp brought Alexander-Arnold into the senior squad through the academy. During his tenure, the two became the highest assisting defenders in Premier League history.

With 64, the England right-back currently holds the top spot. Despite constant criticism for his poor defensive performances, he stands out thanks to his impressive passing range.

The Real Madrid player’s early duties included overlapping on the right flank while Mohamed Salah cut inside. His accurate crossing proved to be a potent weapon in Liverpool’s toolbox.

Alexander-Arnold, however, was forced to switch from his typical right-back position to midfield areas in 2022–2023. Because of his experience as a central player at the youth level and his special ability to spread the play, he was the main focus of Liverpool’s buildup from deep areas rather than in the final third.

The scouser’s output in 2024–25 was diminished by his increased responsibility in deep areas and several injuries, but he still managed to contribute six assists in his final season before joining Real Madrid in June.

Regarding Robertson, ‘the Flying Scotsman’ has amassed 60 Premier League assists and has won over supporters with his perseverance and unrelenting style of play.

After signing Alberto Moreno in the summer of 2017, Klopp took his time settling the former Celtic player at Anfield, sticking with him in the early going. However, he seized the chance when the Spanish left-back was injured.

The Scotland captain’s willingness to press the entire Manchester City team at Anfield in 2018, chasing the ball from his position at full-back up to goalkeeper Ederson, may have best exemplified his seemingly limitless energy as he relentlessly raided up and down the left flank.

Although Robertson lacked Alexander-Arnold’stechnicalskill, his physical attributes made him a valuable addition to the right-back, and his crossing was a serious danger, particularly during counterattacks.

However, when his opponent started to shift into midfield, sometimes playing nearly as a third center-back with Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk, the left-back was given more defensive responsibilities, which also helped to restrict his offensive output.

It’s also important to note that Robertson has had two disappointing seasons leading up to this summer, and some analysts have questioned his future as the team’s first choice after he made several high-profile mistakes, including receiving a red card against Fulham.

In terms of style, how do Frimpong and Kerkez compare?

It’s unclear how Frimpong, Slot’s first summer acquisition, will perform at right-back for the Reds after playing in a more advanced role in the Bundesliga under Xabi Alonso.

What is evident, though, is that the Dutchman’s profile differs greatly from Alexander-Arnold’s,and he is more frequently seen dribbling or overlapping on the flank rather than drifting infield to play passes.

In order to support the attack, Frimpong would run past other forwards and midfielders like Florian Wirtz, who is also anticipated to move to Anfield, as a wing-back. The Schwarzroten would frequently line up without any traditional wingers in the starting lineup.

He could duplicate the kind of support Salah had at Liverpool in previous seasons, when the Egyptian would drift into central areas by moving out wide himself thanks to the Reds’ former number 66.

Regarding Kerkez, the Bournemouth left-back is renowned for his perseverance and energy on the flank, and his five assists this season demonstrate his ability to attack.

The Hungarian and Liverpool’s Dominik Szboszlai are international teammates, and their combination of speed and intensity of running could overwhelm many teams next season, particularly if Slot’s hints about the midfielder playing a deeper role on the left-hand side in 2025–2026 come to fruition.

In terms of style, Kerkez is far more like Robertson than their right-sided counterparts, and if the 31-year-old is prepared to take less playing time as his contract draws to a close, it might make the 21-year-old’sadjustmentto life on Merseyside easier.