Liverpool boast one of the strongest squads in world football. As a result it is difficult to break into and hold down a place in the first XI. Many have tried and many have failed. New recruits taking some time to settle in isn’t out of the ordinary. Jürgen Klopp has explained that Takumi Minamino will get a chance in the side in the future.
Taki Minamino at Liverpool
Liverpool signing Takumi Minamino was one of the shrewdest buys of the past year.
The Asian forward was impressive over two legs against the Reds in the Champions League group stage, prompting many Kopites to call for his signature.
Michael Edwards and co delivered, snapping up the Japan international was signed for just £7.25m.
Since then he’s gone on to make sporadic appearances, impressing in some of his more recent outings and even bagging a goal in the community shield.
However, we haven’t seen Taki since a poor display against Midtjylland in late October.
Jürgen Klopp on Takumi Minamino
Speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of the tie with Atalanta, Jürgen Klopp was asked about why Takumi Minamino hasn’t been seen in a few weeks.
The boss was quick to alleviate any concerns about the Japan forward’s role in the side, telling journalists:
“There is no dip in form. Taki is training well.
“It’s just a strong team, and offensively we didn’t have the same problems as in other positions. It’s hard to get in this team.
“No dip in form, just a challenge. His time will come, no doubt.”
What RTK has to say
Jürgen Klopp will no doubt use Takumi Minamino in the coming weeks and months.
As the fixtures pile up and players get tired, the ex-Salzburg man will prove his worth.
Many signings have taken their time to get up to speed with the Liverpool way – sure Taki joined in January but we’re going to be judging him as a summer signing as there was no chance he was going to interrupt the rhythm of the squad midway through a title winning campaign.
His time will come.
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