Is Minamino good enough?

[rurikbird]

Has Minamino ever played in the 10 role, whilst the front 3 were on the pitch?

Yes, in the last pre-season game against Blackpool. There were no promising signs – I wrote afterwards that he actually looked better on the wing against Arsenal in the Community Shield; he seemed lost at #10 and didn't connect with the front 3 at all.

Or in the 9 role, with Salah and Mane flanking him?

Kind of, flanked by Salah and Jota vs Arsenal in the Carabao Cup. He was very poor in that game, again.

Or in the 4-3-3 midfield 8?

No. I don't think anyone considers him to be a midfielder, potentially – way too lightweight. His best 2 games this season (and in his LFC career as a whole, so far) were both when he started on the left-wing – Lincoln City in the EFL cup and the aforementioned Arsenal in the Community Shield. But that's my point – if LW is indeed his best position, he is far from our best option in that position. He will make it in the middle or not at all.

 

[Modo]

Is he even relevant any more?
I'd actually put Shaq ahead of him in terms of importance to the squad.
Something isn't right with Minamino. Personally, I dont think our style of play suits him.
And Klopp playing him in different positions every game just makes it worse. He doesn't seem settled at all.

 

[King Binny]

 

[Glen C]

Hes pretty shit.

 

[Fabio]

I still like him

 

[Stevesquash]

We've got time with him. He was cheap, he's fine for when we're really short (like now) and he might develop into a really good player. He played well enough against us..

 

[Modo]

If we sell, we'll get our money back.
That's the only reason why I haven't really started hating on him like others here.

Well, also the fact that we kinda don't need him.
Both Shaq and a seldom seen Ox are ahead of him still.

 

[peekay]

He is definitely a good player. Has good technique and intelligence. But I am wondering if the transition from the Austrian league to the premier league, especially this squad, is one transition too far for him.

It might have been better for him if he had transferred to Bundesliga for a couple of years, found his feet there, and then moved to the premier league. A lot of people from a professional perspective, respond better to gradual stepups than sudden increases in quality.

 

[Alan Hardaker]

He's got a decent first touch and all that but he just doesn't effect the game enough. Gets into good positions but just doesn't make the most of his chances. Jota's will'o'wisp impersonation proves you don't have to be the strongest to be effective. I like Mini but it just might be a bit to much for the lad.

 

[darkstarexodus]

If we sell, we'll get our money back.
That's the only reason why I haven't really started hating on him like others here.

Well, also the fact that we kinda don't need him.
Both Shaq and a seldom seen Ox are ahead of him still.

This is where I'm at.
His acquisition was really a no-lose at that price. And he looked exciting when we played Salzburg last year. So I dont have personal animosity against him.

But I'm not seeing anything from him to indicate he will make it here. He's got all the threat and utility of late-stage Lallana. Probably less.

 

[RedStar]

The 'he played well against us' criteria for signing players has really shown to be completely useless in determining how good a signing will be. It was a low risk move given the money involved, we havent thrown in the towel but its obviously not working and hes fallen further down the pecking order over time, which is not a good sign. I think unless something changes dramatically he will be gone in the summer.

 

[mwake]

Theres definately a player in there but whenever I see him he looks a little lost, looks willing but just seems either trying too hard he forgets about the team system. That and his physical stature, he looks like he needs to gain a bit of muscle.

I'd give him time, it not hurting us financially for him to be on the books...

Also (minus the injuries) if Minimino follows Keita's trajectory he could definitely get that time he needs to physically bulk up...Keita also looked physically overwhelmed in the first few months but recently he's bulked up and now stands up to challenges rather then getting bundled over. I think the physical side is what's mainly holding him back, once Liverpool's sports science team get on it I think hell be grand.

 

[RedStar]

I think alot of it is simply down to a players attitude. I remember Sterling as a teenager no taller or bigger built that Minamino refusing to be dominated by big experienced defenders.

 

[keniget]

I don't think his ability to cope physically is the sticking point. That is something that can easily be worked on and I haven't seen anything to suggest that he's lacking anything in terms of his desire or attitude.

The main issue he has is that Klopp has mostly used him as a stand in for Firmino (which he is obviously unsuited for) when he needs to rotate and that aside, doesn't seem to have any real plans for him.

It may be the case that he's just not been good enough in training to get a chance but we've already been down this road to an extent with Shaqiri. Klopp has his primary system and he doesn't really like to change the way we play to accommodate other players. They'll play when needed but in terms of development or a path into the team proper - nah.

That's cool but with the benefit of hindsight, he was probably never going to make it here given his style and this has been a pointless exercise for all involved.

That's why Jota has been such a great signing. He's set up for success because unlike Origi, Shaqiri, Minamino et al he can slot into the team in the way Salah and Mane does.

 

[6TimesaRed]

Certain starter tonight

Apparently he has been ripping it up in training

You will see more of him over the next few weeks.. given we are extremely light in midfield at the moment

 

[peterhague]

I don't think his ability to cope physically is the sticking point. That is something that can easily be worked on and I haven't seen anything to suggest that he's lacking anything in terms of his desire or attitude.

The main issue he has is that Klopp has mostly used him as a stand in for Firmino (which he is obviously unsuited for) when he needs to rotate and that aside, doesn't seem to have any real plans for him.

It may be the case that he's just not been good enough in training to get a chance but we've already been down this road to an extent with Shaqiri. Klopp has his primary system and he doesn't really like to change the way we play to accommodate other players. They'll play when needed but in terms of development or a path into the team proper - nah.

That's cool but with the benefit of hindsight, he was probably never going to make it here given his style and this has been a pointless exercise for all involved.

That's why Jota has been such a great signing. He's set up for success because unlike Origi, Shaqiri, Minamino et al he can slot into the team in the way Salah and Mane does.

Yeah I said from the start that he's a classic number 10 really and I don't see how he fits our system.

Almost a year on and that still looks to be the problem.

 

[SummerOnions]

I remember seeing training videos of him just banging in goals and as people have said here it can be the same issue with Brewster - there is no clear place where he can play a lot and be trusted to deliver, at least not yet

 

[Beamrider]

I'm getting a bit of a Smicer vibe about him. I think he's a good player and he seems like a good pro, but it just isn't working out for some reason. Hopefully it'll all click into place soon.

 

[MomoWASright]

I'm getting a bit of a Smicer vibe about him. I think he's a good player and he seems like a good pro, but it just isn't working out for some reason. Hopefully it'll all click into place soon.

I hope he’s like Smicer by winning (and scoring) in a European cup final.

 

[gkmacca]

The first wave of attack has to be Mane, Salah and Firmino/Jota, but if Minimino arrives in the box as those start leaving it, he could get loads of goals. It's what Terry McDermott did more brilliantly than just about anyone else I've ever seen, and what far lesser but quite effective players like Lee Bowyer and even Lampard used to do. I think that's the one role he could potentially excel at, and add to our threat. It just needs a huge amount of work on the training ground and a proper understanding to develop.

 

[mom]

He’s a decent player. But, he’s got four top top players to get past just to get a start.

 

[RedStar]

He’s a decent player. But, he’s got four top top players to get past just to get a start.

Hes behind more than just those 4, hes also behind Shaq and probably Keita in terms of attacking places, thats before Ox comes back into the picture.

 

[Dreambeliever]

In short no.

 

[Brizzle]

I think he'd have more chance of playing time if Fabinho was playing DM in the middle meaning we might be able to have the luxury of a flair AM behind the front three. With Fabs at CB i suspect we are less likely to risk that.

 

[Fabio]

Who's he got to suck to start a game?

 

[Squiggles]

I still maintain some hope for him. We should sell Divock and just give them opportunities to Minamino. There's nothing to lose from doing so. His work-rate alone makes him a far superior option as a fifth choice attacker. I see plenty more in Minamino than I do in Origi these days. His ponderous, ineffective performances have just become the norm by now. Nobody expects any different.

 

[i_rushie]

I'm struggling to conceive how Harry Wilson could be any worse than Minamino. Also a lightweight who drifts in and out of games (mostly out) but at least we might get a goal from a free kick around the box out of him.

 

[moron]

In short no.

Agreed.

 

[RedStar]

I'm getting a bit of a Smicer vibe about him. I think he's a good player and he seems like a good pro, but it just isn't working out for some reason. Hopefully it'll all click into place soon.

Smicer was shite, I get more of an Aqualani vibe from him. Technically very good but a total shithouse who falls over as soon as somebody breathes heavily on him

 

[My_Blood_Bleeds_Red]

I think Minamino's a confidence type of player. Grows when he plays more. The only problem is he's not trusted enough to play.

Someone's gotta put an arm around him and encourage him. Someone who's been through similar adversity and came out top - like Hendo.