Liverpool are reported to be close to a deal for RB Leipzig’s Takumi Minamino, according to the BBC. We look at three players under threat if Minamino joins.
Xherdan Shaqiri
No player is more at risk than Shaqiri. The Swiss struggles to get into the side as it is, after all, and a new attacking arrival makes things worse.
Then there’s the fact that Minamino plays two positions – attacking midfield and out on the right. These are, of course, the two positions Shaqiri also plays.
There’s little doubt that this would be bad for Shaqiri, then. He’s got the rest of the month to prove he’s worthy of a place before the window opens. It’s a chance he can’t afford to miss.
Adam Lallana
Lallana may be on his way out anyway but the arrival of Minamino would surely confirm things. Lallana’s best position – attacking midfield – is also Minamino’s and the fact that the Japanese is seven years younger makes it difficult to see how Lallana could fight for it.
The Englishman has played deeper in games this season, of course. Even then, simply adding another midfield player limits chances. With his contract expiring and the age he is, Lallana’s chances would surely dry up.
Divock Origi
Origi is only one of the players under threat if Minamino developed in a certain way. Right now, they don’t play the same position but it’s important to remember why Liverpool don’t have a specialised No. 10 already.
That’s because Jurgen Klopp converted Roberto Firmino from the No. 10 role into a forward. His movement and teamwork was a perfect compliment for pacy wingers. It’s very possible that he decides the same for Minamino if he arrives.
If that does happen, he’d become the backup at centre forward. It would hurt Origi, who is the backup there right now but, importantly, plays it very differently.
If Klopp decided to tinker with Minamino, Origi may struggle to be backup anymore.
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