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Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images
Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images

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Jim Beglin reckons Takumi Minamino could be back-up for Liverpool superstar

Will Butcher
Will Butcher

that he believes Takumi Minamino could be used by Liverpool as a “secondary striker”, suggesting that the Japanese ace may be used as back-up to Roberto Firmino – if he does eventually sign.

last week that Liverpool are set to complete a move to sign the RedBull Salzburg attacker, who has impressed in the Champions League against Jurgen Klopp’s side. However, it is believed Liverpool wanted him before that.

The 24-year-old has been on fire for Salzburg, scoring nine goals and creating 11 more in 22 games. A 22-time Japan international, Minamino is set to move to Anfield and will do so for a bargain fee of £7.25million due to a release clause.

Former Liverpool player Beglin has claimed that he believes Minamino will be a squad playerat Liverpool and is best used as a secondary striker, which suggests he will be used mainly as cover for Brazilian superstar Firmino.

(Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)

“He’s probably going to be a squad player because of the strength of the side at the moment,” . “He looks to me like a number 10. I remember the night here [Anfield], Jesse Marsch moved Minamino into the point of a diamond.

“He did the same in the week and he became a third striker, or a secondary striker. He’s gutsy, he’s quick, he has a wonderful imagination, and he can finish. We saw a big smile from Klopp when he scored. I’d be looking at him as a number 10.”

TBR’s view – Should Divock Origi be concerned by Minamino signing?

Origi has been used regularly as Firmino’s back-up, with the Belgian scoring crucial goals in last season’s Champions League semi-final and final – as well as a brace against Everton this season.

Indeed, Origi remains crucial and a fan favourite at Liverpool. But he is hardly used in the same capacity as Firmino is. Firmino drops in as an attacking midfielder or as a secondary striker when playing, feeding both Sadio Mane and Mo Salah.

That is the reason why Firmino has only four goals this season, but has created nine. He is pivotal to Liverpool’s attack, and perhaps Klopp has brought Minamino in to mirror his type of play – something which Origi is unable to do.

(Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)