New position planned as Klopp looks to give Minamino his Liverpool chance

Takumi Minamino: TEAMtalk

Jurgen Klopp has hinted that Takumi Minamino might see more action in midfield after his stellar display against Midtjylland.

Minamino, 25, arrived in January from RB Salzburg, where he had impressed during five years with the Bundesliga club. However, the Japan international has struggled to see much game time due to Liverpool’s embarrassment of riches up front.

He made 10 top-flight appearances during the second half of 2019-2020, earning two starts. But it has been tough this term, with just one start among six outings and 146 minutes of league football.

He has made 13 appearances in all competitions, however, scoring three goals. Four of those have come in the Champions League and he played his part on Wednesday night.

The Reds drew 1-1 with the Danish outfit to finish top of Group D. Mohamed Salah opened the scoring after just one minute before Alexander Scholz equalised after the break.

Klopp was pleased with the effort of his team and especially the way Minamino adapted to his new role.

“I liked the football we played in the first half, especially with the so-much-changed team we had tonight,” he said. “The way we played, the way the boys adapted, not to forget that Takumi Minamino played now only the second time in that position – once in Brighton, which was a different game, and tonight it looked already much better.”

Juggling act for Klopp

Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota are all head of Minamino in the pecking order. They have been available for most of the games, giving the boss continuity up front.

 

It has not been the same situation in defence or midfield, where players have been struggling with fitness. That has given the Japanese ace an opportunity which he seems to be grabbing with both hands.

He played the full 90 minutes against the Seagulls in a more withdrawn position. And although it was not a vintage display, there were signs that he could do a job.

Klopp felt Minamino improved from his display against Brighton even if his men spurned a few chances.

“I really like the football we played first half, we had really big… if it’s not a chance then nearly a chance, I’m not sure what is the English word for that,” he added. “But we had a lot of these moments which we could have used in a better way and that was good.”

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