Monaco are far from happy with the form shown by Takumi Minamino since his arrival from Liverpool last summer.
Minamino joined the Principality side after two-and-a-half good years at Anfield. But as per L’Equipe, he has been a huge disappointment in Ligue 1.
The Japan international has reportedly ‘disappeared from the radar’ during his first six months at the club. This has led to claims from the notable French outlet that his signing from Liverpool was a mere ‘marketing stunt’ and nothing more.
However, there is also a nugget of good news included in L’Equipe’s report. They claim that Minamino was ‘convincing’ during Sunday’s 2-0 win over Clermont Foot, supposedly for the first time in a Monaco shirt. Hopefully that can act as a springboard for the former Reds favourite.
Taki struggling to get going at Monaco
It’s a real shame to see Minamino struggling to adapt at Monaco. After a couple of years of stop-start action at Liverpool, it would have been nice to see him nail down a first team slot.
The 28-year-old is certainly good enough for that. He may not be Mohamed Salah or Sadio Mane, but Minamino is still a quality player.
Much has been made of Mane’s departure affecting Liverpool’s fortunes this season. But it’s also true to say that the exit of fringe players like Taki and Divock Origi has lessened the squad’s quality.
Both players were absolutely crucial in Liverpool’s two cup wins last season. Minamino even top-scored for the Reds in both the FA and Carabao cups. It’s fair to say that his team wouldn’t have won either trophy without him.
As a result, it was perhaps expected that Minamino would go on and show Liverpool what they were missing.
Out from the beneath the spotlight at Anfield and the shadow of legends in the dressing room, he would prove what a good player he is.
Unfortunately, the opposite has happened. So far, Taki has only confirmed that he was perhaps never good enough to be a starter for the Reds. He certainly hasn’t justified his £15.5m fee.
Still, it sounds like he was a better performer on Sunday. With Monaco pushing for a Champions League spot, he can still play his part this season. Fingers cross we see that trademark Taki grin a little more often soon.