The sting of Liverpool's Champions League exit still lingers, and the post-mortem has brought some strong opinions to the fore. Among the most pointed critiques comes from former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor, who has singled out summer signing Jeremie Frimpong for particular scrutiny.

With a pivotal Merseyside derby on the horizon, every aspect of the Reds' performance is under the microscope, especially a defence that has yet to find its solid footing this season. Agbonlahor, speaking on talkSPORT, delivered a blunt verdict on the Dutch defender's time at Anfield so far.

"Look at Frimpong, that's a signing that hasn't worked," he stated. "He's not good defensively and he's not good going forward."

This is a tough assessment, but it's one that requires context. Frimpong's debut campaign has been severely disrupted by injuries, preventing him from building any sustained momentum or rhythm within the side. While his performances have indeed been inconsistent, there have been flashes of the dynamic, attacking threat he was signed to provide, particularly when deployed in a more advanced wing-back role.

The concerns over his defensive positioning aren't new; pundits like Alan Shearer highlighted them earlier in the season. However, Frimpong's footballing profile has always been that of a modern, attack-minded full-back rather than a traditional, defensively rigid one. This inherent style can sometimes clash with the demands of a flat back four, explaining why he often looks more assured pushing forward than tracking back.

There have been promising moments—his energetic display against Marseille comes to mind—but a lack of consistent availability has made it impossible for him to settle. It's also worth remembering that Frimpong isn't alone; several established stars in the Liverpool squad have struggled for form this season, pointing to broader tactical or systemic challenges beyond any one player.

For now, the focus shifts to Everton. The true test for any player, especially one facing criticism, is how they respond on the pitch. The derby presents the perfect stage for a statement performance.