Photo by Glyn Kirk/Pool via Getty Images

News

HomeNewsEnglish Premier LeagueLiverpool

‘Only a matter of time’: Some Liverpool fans excited about 5ft 9in ace’s future under Jurgen Klopp

Giuseppe Labellarte

Thu 16 July 2020 10:45, UK

Liverpool may have fallen to their third Premier League defeat of the season and missed out on the opportunity to break the 100-point barrier but there were still positives to be taken from the game, with some Reds fans liking what they saw from Takumi Minamino.

The 25-year-old attacker, who joined Liverpool from Red Bull Salzburg at the start of the year for , has had limited game time in his first half-season at Anfield, with 12 appearances in all competitions so far but just one Premier League start.

Admittedly, Minamino was always going to have a big job on his hands in knocking one of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane or Mohamed Salah from the starting XI picture, and has struggled a little out wide when coming on for Mohamed Salah.

Against Arsenal, the Japan international came on for Firmino just after the hour mark and looked much more at home in the centre, being bright from the off and adding energy to his side’s attack.

At one point, Minamino came under pressure in the penalty area but chose to stay on his feet, with some fans feeling he should have gone down and prompted the referee to have to make a decision.

Nonetheless, plenty of Liverpool supporters were impressed with what the ace brought to the game and are excited with how he’ll develop and progress under Jurgen Klopp.

Here are some of the comments on social media:

Was happy with Naby, Fabinho & Mane today. Minamino was really biting on everything. Shaqiri looked healthy.

Really disappointed that our defense in the first half let us down so badly.

Need a lethal finisher and someone capable of breaking down a parked bus.

— LFC Fans Corner (@LFCFansCorner)

Minamino playing where we’ve always wanted to see him, he looks up for it.

— Max Wooders (@MaxWoodersLFC)

Only a matter of time before Minamino starts clicking properly

— Martin ?1️⃣9️⃣? (@Turner_LFC)

I thought minamino added something extra last night , 1st time we’ve seen his quality

— **Daniel campione19⚜️ (@Dannytg78)

True, but it was an opportunity for Minamino to practice Bobby duties. He is not 100 % ready yet, but he will cover bobby role more and more in next season. It makes sense to have him getting chances in remaining games.

— ?????????????⚽?? (@oliverbirdfc)

We actually didn’t lose anythingp but motivation. Minamino came in and did fine

— CHAMPIONS OF ENGLAND AND EUROPE 19/20~18/19 ? (@NagareMochii)

I was impressed with minamino when he came on last night

— Sw19ty ?6️⃣?1️⃣9️⃣? (@andrew_m_swift)