Trent Alexander-Arnold left “big shoes” to fill after leaving Liverpool for Real Madrid last month. But new signing Jeremie Frimpong stands unfazed, undoubtedly backing his own ability to replace the England international in the Premier League champions’ defence. Frimpong’s arrival from Bayer Leverkusen was announced mere hours after Alexander-Arnold joined Real Madrid, with the Dutch international becoming Arne Slot’s first signing since winning the English top flight. Alexander-Arnold brought his 20-year-long association with Liverpool to an end with his move, leaving behind a legacy that included eight big titles, including this past season’s Premier League triumph. Frimpong, though, has no fear in stepping into the big shoes and lights of Anfield. “Liverpool is a big club, so it’s big shoes regardless,” Frimpong told Sky Sports in an interview on Sunday. “It’s a winning team … they win trophies for a reason. If you play for a team like Liverpool, you have to fill in the shoes and perform. “I’ve always believed in myself. I’m a winner. That’s what I’m going to bring to the team.” Frimpong, who was born in Amsterdam, joined Manchester City’s youth academy at the age of 9, but made the switch to Scottish side Celtic in 2019, and signed with Bayer Leverkusen subsequently in the year 2021. The explosive wing-back played a crucial role in Xabi Alonso’s unbeaten Leverkusen side that clinched their maiden Bundesliga crown in the 2023/24 season. “The Premier League is the best league in the world. I grew up in Manchester, so I always wanted to come back. It was always the plan,” Frimpong said. “I know what being a champion is like at Bayer Leverkusen, so joining a champion team is a privilege … to go from watching (Liverpool) to playing for them is crazy. “The manager has told me how I can help the team, and he really likes me as a player. It’s given me extra motivation and belief.” Frimpong joins a strong Dutch contingent at Liverpool as he follows the footsteps of Virgil Van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, and Ryan Gravenberch at the Merseyside club, helmed by another Dutchman, Arne Slot. (with inputs from agencies)