Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has explained why Liverpool wing-back Jeremie Frimpong was left out of his 26-man squad for this summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Frimpong, who joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen for £29 million last summer, has struggled with injuries and a lack of consistent playing time.
Koeman cited Frimpong's physical problems and limited game time as the reasons for his exclusion. He recalled a friendly against Ecuador in March when Frimpong came on at half-time but soon left the pitch injured. 'I had to choose, and I opted for another on the right flank,' Koeman said.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot previously admitted that Frimpong's limited outings were a major blow. 'Jeremie has shown every time he comes in that when you face low blocks, how important pace is,' Slot said in March. 'But unfortunately we've only been able to use one player who has a lot of pace in our front three.'
Frimpong recently opened up about his difficult first year at Liverpool, telling the Daily Telegraph: 'It's never happened in my career. I've had three injuries and, on top of that, the team is not doing so well.' He added that his family and girlfriend have helped him through the challenging times.
Despite Frimpong's absence, Liverpool trio Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo have all been included in Koeman's squad. The Netherlands are in Group F, where they will face Japan, Sweden and Tunisia.
