Netherlands Boss Ronald Koeman Praises ‘Clinical’ Jeremie Frimpong

Ronald Koeman, the manager of the Netherlands, struggled to find the right words to express his admiration for Jeremie Frimpong’s outstanding display in the UEFA Nations League quarter-final clash against Spain.

Frimpong was instrumental throughout the match, creating four scoring opportunities, winning 10 of 17 duels, and completing seven successful dribbles. His assist for Tijjani Reijnders’ goal, which brought the score to 2-1, came off a slick one-two with Reijnders.

“I played a one-two with Tijjani (Reijnders) and noticed the space,” Frimpong recounted to NOS. “I saw that the Spanish defence shifted towards the near post, so I anticipated the opening at the back for a cut-back. I executed that, and then Tijjani finished it off.”

After a tough start to his time with the national team, Frimpong has been getting more opportunities under Koeman, and his performance against Spain could be considered his best yet for the Netherlands.

“I always strive to give my all for the team,” Frimpong stated. “I focus on using my speed and energy and work hard for the side.”

“It wasn’t solely down to me; the entire team performed exceptionally well. I believe we played a fantastic match, and we could have claimed victory, but we were unfortunate with the red card and the late equaliser. Overall, I feel we had a very strong outing.”

Koeman has deployed Frimpong in roles as a right-back and winger, but what does Frimpong prefer? “I enjoy playing on the flanks, anywhere along the side.”

“My style doesn’t change, whether it’s right-back, right-mid, wing-back, or right-wing—I perform the same, so I have no preference.”

‘He’s a menace’

Koeman lauded Frimpong’s efforts after the match against Spain, stating, “Simply phenomenal. Jeremie (Frimpong) was one we had talked about; if we can get the ball to him quickly so he can take on the full-back, he becomes extremely dangerous,” Koeman told the press.

“He remained alert, especially before the second goal… He’s a considerable threat and applies pressure excellently. His pace is a remarkable asset.”

The former Everton and Barcelona manager was without Jurrien Timber due to illness, leading to RB Leipzig’s Lutsharel Geertruida being selected at right-back, a decision Koeman praised. “Aside from a handful of moments, Geertruida and Hato excelled against two very competent players.”

The Netherlands and Spain ended their first leg of the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals in a 2-2 draw. The return encounter will take place this Sunday, March 23, at Valencia’s Estadio Mestalla.