Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman has not held back in giving his verdict on Jeremie Frimpong, who was linked to Chelsea in January before the club instead signed Malo Gusto. The Blues were eager to sign a new a new right-back as they looked to ease the workload on Reece James, who had suffered a number of injuries earlier in the season.
Frimpong and Gusto were both said to be on Todd Boehly's shortlist. Then, in the final days of the transfer window, the west London outfit signed the latter on the condition that he would remain at Lyon on loan for the remainder of the season.
It's believed that Chelsea paid around £26million, including add-ons, for the 19-year-old, who can operate as a wing-back, full-back and right centre-half in a back-three. With Gusto arriving in the summer, Graham Potter is set to significantly benefit from the French youth international's versatility - a defensive quality which Koeman believes that Frimpong is yet to master.
READ MORE: Behdad Eghbali net worth rockets as Clearlake Capital prepare for Chelsea's next move
Speaking in a press conference ahead of the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers, the Netherlands boss was asked why he didn't select the £30.6million-rated Bayer Leverkusen defender. Frimpong, who has predominantly featured as a right wing-back this season, has directly contributed towards six goals in his previous six Bundesliga appearances.
Despite having showcased his excellent ability to attack, Koeman admitted that he has 'doubts' over the 22-year-old's ability to defend. As quoted by the Daily Record, the former Barcelona boss said: "No Frimpong? This is because of the system that we play in.
"He plays almost as a right winger. My right back should be able to defend well in the first place and I have my doubts about that."
In January 2021, Gusto explained how he became a right-back and was forced to nurture his defensive skills. He said: "At the start it was to make up the numbers after an injury in the next age group – Under-17s at the time.
"So the coach put me at right-back and I had a good match, and the coach hasn't changed my position since. At first it was tough for me and my father too, who had always seen me play more attacking and now say me at the back.
"But it's still football, you have to study the position and you progress quickly," Gusto added. Then, when asked to describe his play-style, he said: "Rather attacking, punchy, powerful, fast, technically adept.
"And I think those are the qualities that a modern full-back should have. I know I still have to work on my defensive positioning and tracking back."
READ NEXT:
Graham Potter explains Conor Gallagher Chelsea decision with major Kovacic and Fernandez claim
N'Golo Kante injury latest as Chelsea boss Graham Potter explains plan
How Reece James was protected by Chelsea bodyguard as Graham Potter frustration becomes clear
Every word Graham Potter said on Everton draw, Chelsea frustration, Fofana, Felix, Havertz, more
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
