Frimpong vs Bradley: Liverpool's Right-Back Battle Heats Up

New Liverpool signing Jeremie Frimpong is set for a battle to secure his place in Arne Slot 's starting line-up. That's according to ex-Reds defender Glen Johnson , who believes Conor Bradley will be hot on the heels of the new arrival.

Frimpong, 24, made the switch to Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen as their first signing of the summer, penning a five-year contract following the activation of his £29.5million release clause . His move was confirmed around the same time as Trent Alexander-Arnold's £10m move to Real Madrid , giving Slot a direct replacement at right-back.

Yet amid the excitement of Frimpong's arrival, it's easy to overlook that Liverpool already boast a promising homegrown player in that role ready to fill Alexander-Arnold's boots. And Johnson is convinced Bradley won't relinquish his spot without a fight, having contributed to the team's Premier League title win last season.

"I've seen Frimpong play a few times. Obviously, he likes to get forward, he'll be a good player that can help push and develop with Conor Bradley," he told with the Liverpool Echo , via 888sport. "Who will start the season, we don't know, but it's just good to always have two good players that are probably both capable of being in the XI."

Bradley, 22, clocked up 29 appearances across all competitions last season, with 19 in the league, but only seven of those were starts. He managed to set up four goals, convincing many supporters he's ready for a regular spot in the starting XI.

The decision by Slot to bring in Netherlands international Frimpong indicates a desire for competition in the position. But Johnson, who lifted the League Cup with Liverpool in 2012, believes this won't necessarily relegate Bradley to back-up duties.

"Liverpool themselves don't care who it is, they just want the best one in that position," he continued. "But like I say, I think Conor Bradley fully deserves to start with a shirt from what he's done already in the Premier League.

"But at the same time, you always need to push the players, you can't just assume you're only one injury away from missing out. So, if players are available and it's a deal that suits Liverpool, they have to do it. And it's now for Conor to fight and win that position and make sure he is still the No. 1."

Frimpong, who is already impressing his new fans in pre-season , spent four seasons in the Bundesliga and made it into the official Team of the Season twice. Last season, he scored five goals and provided 12 assists in 48 games, having contributed 14 goals and 12 assists during Leverkusen's title-winning season one year prior.

The statistics suggest the Amsterdam-born ace could eventually become Liverpool's first-choice right-back. However, Johnson is likely correct in suggesting competition will aid Bradley's development at this early stage of his career.

It's also worth noting there may be opportunities for both players to feature in the starting line-up together. Frimpong gained experience playing in more advanced roles under Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen, while Bradley has been utilised as a winger for Northern Ireland.

Liverpool now face a similar situation at left-back following the signing of Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth this summer. The Hungarian comes to Merseyside with a strong reputation, but 31-year-old Andy Robertson remains part of the squad despite rumours linking him with Atletico Madrid, while Kostas Tsimikas is also being touted for a move .