Celtic podcaster Kevin Graham has recently made a claim about Jeremie Frimpong and his situation in the club’s first-team.
Graham was a guest on the latest episode of the ‘A Celtic State of Mind’ podcast and the panel discussed multiple issues involving the Bhoys following their 3-1 loss to AC Milan in the group stages of the UEFA Europa League. Graham focused on a ‘problem’ that Celtic might have with Frimpong and he believes that the Dutchman isn’t a right-back.
Frimpong started in Celtic’s defeat to Stefano Pioli’s side. He played in the right wing-back position in the club’s 3-5-1-1 shape. Rade Krunic and Brahim Diaz scored a goal each in the first half for the Rossoneri and Mohamed Elyounoussi pulled one back in the second half. Jens Petter Hauge scored Milan’s third in stoppage time (as per Whoscored).
What is Frimpong's best position?
Right-back
Right midfield
Graham believes that Frimpong, who is valued at £2.7m, isn’t a right-back and he should be challenging James Forrest for the right midfield spot.
He said: “I think we do have a problem with Frimpong. He should be maybe challenging James Forrest for that right-hand side attacking role but then, the coaching staff are going to need to work with him to make him that player. He’s not a right-back. I think we just need to give up on him as a right-back.”
TIF Thoughts…
In the current season, Frimpong has played as a right-back three times in the league and the Europa League combined. While doing that, he has picked up a rating of 6.89 for the Bhoys. While playing as a right midfielder, the Dutchman has picked up a rating of 6.9 so far (as per Whoscored).
That might be a reflection of the fact that he can play pretty effectively in both positions and there’s only a minor difference in his abilities in those positions. So it will be interesting to see how he’s coached at Celtic in the near future, especially since they have played a 3-5-2 shape in recent games.