Owen Hargreaves comments on Liverpool’s Takumi Minamino after Crystal Palace win

that while Takumi Minamino impressed against Crystal Palace on Sunday during Liverpool’d 7-0 demolition of the Eagles – he feels the Japanese forward is still trying to “find his role”.

Minamino, 25, scored his fourth goal of the season after just three minutes on Saturday, opening the floodgates as Liverpool cruised a stunning 7-0 win. The Reds were ruthless throughout, strengthening their lead at the top of the table.

Signed for a bargain £7.25million in January 2020, Minamino has had an indifferent start to life at Liverpool – with lockdowns and intermittent game time hampering his progress. But of late, he has started to show what he is capable of.

With Diogo Jota sidelined, Minamino has been given a chance. As Hargreaves says, one thing that does benefit the former Salzburg man is that he can play out wide, as a false nine or in midfield. But Hargreaves did question his current role.

“I think he is still trying to find his feet, and find his role,” . “When you play in this Liverpool team, you’ve got to get numbers. To get numbers, you have to be the box. He is a really good player, presses well, takes the ball on the half-turn.

TBR’s view – Where is Minamino’s best position?

In Liverpool’s midfield, players are expected to effect the game going forward but also be combative, hard-working and boast enormous stamina. Given his slight frame, Minamino struggles to be as combative as say, Gini Wijnaldum.

As a false nine, it is difficult to judge Minamino as he is yet to be given an extended run in the team. But from the left, Minamino proved on Saturday that he is very effective – cutting inside onto his stronger right foot. Right now, that is his best position.