Jeremie Frimpong made a strong impression in his first match since his debut for the Netherlands national team. The 22-year-old wing-back played a crucial role for Bayer Leverkusen in the away game against VfL Wolfsburg (1-2), contributing a goal and an assist, and was named Player of the Week by Kicker.
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It is certainly not the first time that Frimpong has distinguished himself at Leverkusen. This season, the Amsterdam-born son of Ghanaian parents has already accounted for five goals and four assists across all competitions. The former Manchester City and Celtic player has made a significant contribution to Die Werkself's top position in the Bundesliga, as evidenced last Saturday during their visit to Wolfsburg.
For Kicker, his starring role at the Volkswagen Arena was reason enough to select Frimpong as the best player of the past Bundesliga matchday. 'The icing on the cake is starting to pile up,' writes the renowned media outlet in a commentary, subsequently referring to previous crucial goals, his contract extension, and his debut for the Dutch national team. 'And now another cherry has been added to the cake.'
Frimpong was unstoppable by Wolfsburg’s defenders last Saturday, observed Kicker. 'The Dutchman’s golden streak in October has been incredible so far.' Coach Xabi Alonso concurs that the lightning-fast right-back has developed. 'I now see a mature Jerry. It’s important to not only play well but also understand what your task is. He now has a better grasp of why you need to do certain things.'
According to Alonso, Frimpong was already an important player last season, but now he plays with more control. This earned him a reward in the form of his debut against France, having not been selected by Ronald Koeman since the World Cup in Qatar. 'It was great to make my debut for my country, but I must not become complacent,' Frimpong acknowledges. 'In football, everything can change quickly; I need to stay fresh in my mind.'
