Liverpool finally paying the price for Takumi Minamino disappointment

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Liverpool are paying the price for not nailing the Takumi Minamino transfers. It’s one they could really do with going right.

A lot has been said about Roberto Firmino and his performance against Manchester United. We have two articles up on the site now, in fact – here and here.

In short, Firmino didn’t do the job he’s there for. The Brazilian is supposed to be the magic in attack, linking midfield and making sure Liverpool take advantage of every opportunity.

He should create space for teammates to get better chances, while he should also find the extra passes that reach those teammates.

But he didn’t do that, unfortunately. Firmino didn’t do enough off the ball and frequently missed that final pass. Often it wasn’t a case of playing a bad pass – he just didn’t see the teammate.

So why the struggles? They’re certainly not in isolation. Firmino hasn’t thrived this season, while he had certain issues in the last campaign, too.

One potential reason is just bad form. He may need some time out of the lineup and with that in mind, Liverpool are paying for not having a replacement option.

Frustratingly, they should do. They signed Takumi Minamino for exactly this but the Japan international hasn’t clicked.

Paying the price

We’ve seen Minamino play Firmino’s False 9 role on occasion. He made his first start there, in fact, and frequently plays cup games in the position.

But he’s never looked ideal in it. Minamino has always felt like a player working his way into the team, getting to know his teammates.

Only, Liverpool bought him over a year ago, now. And that £7.25m fee is starting to look less like a bargain and more like a missed opportunity.

Because Liverpool don’t go out and buy players they don’t need. They felt they needed someone to backup Firmino and went to sign an option.

Therefore, it’s easy to assume that if they don’t get Minamino, they get someone else. It’s easy to say, but perhaps that player fares better – it’s the opportunity cost argument.

Diogo Jota does sort of fit that bill, of course, but he’s not the same type of player. Jota wants to run in behind and threaten, rather than drop back and link play.

So right now, if Liverpool want to maintain the way they play, they have to stick with Firmino. There’s just no alternative for their usual 4-3-3 system.

Minamino should have been, but Liverpool are finally paying the price for seemingly getting that transfer wrong. They got away with it last season as their title lead was so strong but the time he arrived. It didn’t really matter if he had no effect on that campaign.

Now, though, Liverpool could really use Minamino to be what they wanted. Perhaps the player rebounds and becomes a success, though that seems unlikely right now.

Instead, as Liverpool battle some poor form, they’re paying the price for Minamino not succeeding.