Frimpong omitted by Xavi as Liverpool form wavers before Serbia
Liverpool right‑back Jeremie Frimpong, 25, will sit alone in the stands as the Netherlands face Serbia tonight, after being omitted from manager Xavi's 23‑man Nations League squad on 27 September 2026. The exclusion makes him the only Oranje player on international duty to miss the match‑day list.
Frimpong was on the bench for Xavi's first match in charge against Germany on Thursday, a 1‑1 draw, but he failed to secure a place in the official UEFA squad list.
Form struggles at Liverpool
At Liverpool, Frimpong has featured in three of the five Premier League games this season and has yet to score, providing only one assist in his debut campaign. The club triggered his £29.5 million release clause to bring him from Bayer Leverkusen, where he previously won the Bundesliga under Xabi Alonso.
The Reds have struggled for balance under manager Arne Slot, often exposed in wide areas when Frimpong and fellow full‑back Milos Kerkez push forward without adequate midfield cover. He now battles for the right‑back spot with loanee Ronald Araujo, the experienced defender who captained his parent club Barcelona.
Nations League: the Oranje meets Serbia on 27 September in Belgrade
International competition and upcoming fixtures
Arsenal right‑back Jurrien Timber has been called up in Frimpong's place after missing the Germany clash through injury. The Netherlands will meet Greece before the Serbia game later in the Nations League window, giving Frimpong a chance to regain his place.
Since making his debut for the Netherlands in 2023, Frimpong has earned 15 caps. He was omitted from the World Cup squad by former national coach Ronald Koeman after an unconvincing first season at Liverpool.
Premier League provides crucial goals for the Oranje, analysis says
In the 2023‑24 season with Leverkusen, the Dutchman contributed 14 goals and 10 assists across all competitions, helping the side come close to a domestic double and an unbeaten run before falling in the Europa League final. His potential remains high, and the upcoming international break offers a chance to restore his standing.