You need quick clarity on Liverpool’s new shape after a summer overhaul — and whether Jeremie Frimpong is a safe GW1 pick. Thanks to the Community Shield, we have a crisp, stat-lead analysis on Liverpool's performance, role clarity for key assets, and short-term projections to use immediately.

Community Shield 2025: Liverpool 2–2 Palace (3–2 pens) — Key Facts

• Crystal Palace 2-2 Liverpool (Palace won 3-2 on penalties).

• Liverpool scorers: Hugo Ekitike (4'), Jeremie Frimpong (20').

• Crystal Palace scorers: Jean-Philippe Mateta (17' Pen), Ismaila Sarr (77').

• Debutants starting: Frimpong, Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez.

Is Jeremie Frimpong Nailed for GW1? Minutes, Role, and Upside

Short answer: Yes — and with an attacking upside. He started and played very high on the right, overlapping relentlessly. His goal came from a whipped ball that looped in, but the bigger signal was his advanced average position and repeat runs beyond the winger. That’s exactly why Liverpool bought him.

Attacking RB Profile: Overlaps, Final-Third Touches, Expected Output

• He started the Community Shield and played in an aggressively high right-sided role, frequently overlapping. The club signed him as the starting right back after triggering a release clause in May.

• Attacking intent: His goal came from wide in advanced territory; the pattern of play (constant overlaps) mattered more than the fluky finish.

• System fit: Early analysis notes Liverpool's fullbacks (Frimpong right, Kerkez left) push high — great for FPL returns, but with some defensive trade-off.

Verdict: Start-safe for GW1 with real assist/goal threat. Long-term minutes look strong, but expect the occasional rest when fixtures stack. However, high fullbacks could mean fewer clean sheets.

Liverpool Tactics from Wembley: 4-2-3-1 → 3-2-5 and Front-Foot Full-Backs

Liverpool showed a front-foot full-back plan: Kerkez and Frimpong attacked space early and often. Build-up didn’t funnel solely to the right; Wirtz acted as a central hub, connecting left and middle and combining for the opener. The shape flexed between a 4-2-3-1 and a 3-2-5 in possession.

Key sequences from Wembley:

• 4’ Wirtz → Ekitiké (give-and-go), 1–0.

• 21’ Frimpong overlaps; sliced cross loops in, 2–1.

Implication: Multi-channel creation (left + central + right overlap) — not “Salah-or-bust”. Early days, but the attack looks less predictable and more evenly distributed.

Liverpool FPL Picks: GW1–GW5 Outlook and Projections

Jeremie Frimpong (DEF £6.0m): Attacking Routes > CS Reliance

High, wide, and dangerous. Immediate chemistry on overlaps, frequent final-third touches. Nailed for GW1 with real attacking routes; clean sheet volatility is the trade-off.

Mohamed Salah (MID £14.5M): Pens, Captaincy Floor, Role Shift

Quieter from open play; missed in the shootout — but that doesn’t change his season-long profile. Still primary talisman and likely on league penalties. He’s no longer the sole channel, which may lower his weekly floor, but the ceiling remains elite.

Florian Wirtz (MID £8.5M): Set Pieces, Key Passes, Bonus Appeal

Looked like the creative hub at #10/left half-space and was involved in the first goal. Big-fee arrival, press-resistant, and set-piece capable. Underpriced “steady points” type who could tick for assists + bonus.

Cody Gakpo (MID £7.5M): LW Minutes vs. Díaz Competition

Started left and converted in the shootout. If he holds LW while Díaz builds rhythm, he’s strong mid-price value for early weeks. Monitor lineups, but his role looked purposeful.

Hugo Ekitiké (FWD £8.5M): Starting #9, Short-Term Bandwagon?

Dream debut (4’ goal) and kept finding chances after HT. If he keeps the #9 shirt, he’s a classic early bandwagon at a friendly price. Transfer window noise exists, but he currently profiles as starter.

Liverpool Fixtures GW1–GW5: Difficulty Ratings and Captaincy Spots

Liverpool open Bournemouth (H), then Newcastle (A), Arsenal (H), Burnley (A), Everton (H) — a mixed run that should still generate chances. Expect some end-to-end phases while the defence settles.

Draft Builds: With Salah vs. Without Salah (Value Paths)

Safer Minutes Core: Salah + Wirtz + Frimpong

Captain security + steady creativity + attacking DEF.

Aggressive Value: Wirtz + Gakpo + Ekitiké

Triple open-play exposure if you reallocate Salah’s funds.

Balanced: Salah + Wirtz + Ekitiké

Premium floor + #10 supply + striker upside.

Pick one path and pre-plan an escape: an early GW4–GW5 transfer or wildcard if roles shift.

Verdict for GW1: Start Frimpong, Cover Liverpool Attack, Keep Flexibility

• Frimpong for GW1: Yes. Role and usage support it; just moderate CS expectations.

• Liverpool attack: Now multi-threaded. Wirtz looks central, Ekitiké is live, Salah still elite but no longer the only conduit.

• Actionable: Start with at least one Liverpool attacker plus Frimpong (if you want an attacking DEF). Build funds to pivot quickly.

Join the FPL Super League (FPLSL)

Play your official FPL team in a free, tiered competition designed for year-to-year continuity and competitive parity.

• Free entry with FPL ID + email (keeps leagues clean and comms consistent).

• Seeded first season, then promotions/relegations by performance.

• Prizes announced in-season for division winners.

Register today, lock your GW1, and compete in a proper pyramid. Green arrows await.