Kyle Walker replacement: Pep Guardiola recognises the star as the ideal successor to the Manchester City defenderJeremie Frimpong, a former player and current Bayer Leverkusen sensation, is reportedly being monitored by Manchester City as a potential successor to Kyle Walker.
Currently, the Citizens are in second place in the Premier League, five points behind the leaders Liverpool. Liverpool has suffered defeats in their last four games across all competitions. Pep Guardiola, the manager, had never previously suffered four consecutive losses.
However, his team has recently appeared defensively vulnerable, particularly during counterattacks. Walker, a defender, has been the subject of criticism this season due to his struggles against direct forwards in games against Bournemouth and Fulham.
Football Insider has reported that City consider 23-year-old Frimpong to be an ideal replacement for the 34-year-old Englishman, and it would not be unexpected if Guardiola were to demand reinforcements in January.
Walker’s ideal replacement? Walker has been questioned for a long time regarding his offensive capabilities, despite the fact that he has won numerous trophies during his tenure in Manchester and has become a mainstay for the England national team under Gareth Southgate.
The Englishman is regarded as a defensive-minded alternative to full-backs like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Reece James, as commended by pundits like Gary Neville.
Nevertheless, it is reasonable to suggest that he is not nearly as at ease with the ball as the aforementioned duo, and Manchester City could potentially capitalise on Frimpong’s substantial attacking output.
Last season, the former Citizen was prolific in the final third for Leverkusen, scoring 14 goals and assisting on 10 others.
These statistics are even more remarkable when one considers that Walker has only scored six goals and registered 22 assists for City in his entire career. Given the diminishing influence of players like Kevin De Bruyne, it may be prudent to guarantee that Erling Haaland maintains a consistent supply line.
Concerns regarding defence? Walker has frequently employed his exceptional physical prowess and pace to assist him in recovering from assailants, thereby diverting them from hazardous areas and preventing them from advancing on goal.
This season, the seasoned right-back has encountered challenges in maintaining his defensive proficiency. He is a member of a backline that has conceded 13 goals in 11 Premier League games, as well as 10 goals in their most recent four.
Although Frimpong could potentially provide City with a new attacking dynamic during offensive phases, it is uncertain whether the Dutchman’s ability to operate without the ball would enhance this iteration of Walker.
Frimpong has been predominantly employed as a wing-back in a 3-4-3 system during his time at Leverkusen. He is frequently granted the freedom to overload opposing defences and crash into the penalty area.
The Bundesliga champions have already conceded 16 league goals in just 10 games this season, which is only eight goals less than they did in the entire 2023-24 season.
Should a transfer occur, the Dutchman may require some time to adjust to the demands of playing in a back four under Guardiola. However, his exceptional aptitude is undeniable.
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