‘He’s ideal, I just don’t know WHERE to play him!’ Jurgen Klopp raves about £ 7. 25 m Takumi Minamino’s speed, desire, skill and decision-making – but hasn’t worked out where to place him yet
- Liverpool snapped up Takumi Minamino for a cut-price £ 7. million last week
- Red Bull Salzburg star impressed when he faced Liverpool in Champions League
- Minamino will arrive on January 1 and could make his debut against Everton
- Jurgen Klopp knows his style will fit Liverpool but isn’t sure where he will play
By
James Dutton For Mailonline
Published:: (EST,) **************************************************** (December)
Liverpool snapped up the Red Bull Salzburg attacking midfielder for a bargain £ 7. million last week.for the 24 – year-old, Klopp insists he will ease him in as he figures out his best lineup.
Jurgen Klopp says he needs a bit of time to work out where Takumi Minamino (right) will fit in
Minamino poses for a picture at Melwood after Liverpool announced his signing this month
Minamino poses with the Liverpool shirt as he prepares to make a possible debut next month
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‘How can we put him in, in the short-term?’ he asked during a press-conference on Tuesday.
‘Long-term, there is no doubt that he will help us, that’s clear. I’m looking forward to working with him, but between now and Takumi’s first real day at Melwood there’s still three games so I have a little bit of time to think about where he will fit in. ‘
But he believes the Japan international will be a natural addition to his table-topping side.
Takumi is likely to provide an alternative option for Klopp to his traditional front three of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, as well as an option as the most advanced of a midfield three in a similar ilk to the currently injured Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Klopp said: ‘All the things we know about Takumi, so many things fit very well to us.
‘His football skills first and foremost obviously, his decision-making in tight areas, his speed, his desire to win the ball back.Minamino heads to Anfield having netted nine times in games for Salzburg this season
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Minamino celebrates after netting for Salzburg in their 4-3 defeat at Anfield in October
Minamino impressed Liverpool during his Champions League appearances this season
At International level, Minamino has scored goals in just games for Japan
‘Counter-pressing, he’s used to that because Salzburg have a similar philosophy that we have.
‘That’s all really good but then you have to see how he will adapt when he is finally coming over and we are allowed to work with him. ‘
Minamino has scored nine goals in appearances in the Austrian Bundesliga so far this season, and impressed in Salzburg’s 4-3 defeat at Anfield in October.He has earned 22 caps for his country, and leaves Austria after five years. He won the Austrian Bundesliga in every season he has had with Salzburg, as well as lifting four Austrian Cups with the club.He could make his Liverpool debut in the third-round FA Cup tie against Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton, in what would be a baptism of fire at Anfield on January 5.
Center-backs Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk are set to play at Leicester on Boxing Day
Klopp’s league leaders return to action on Boxing Day when they travel to title rivals Leicester in the Premier League’s late game.
Goals:********** Honors: Austrian Bundesliga x5
Austrian Cup x4
JAPAN
Caps: Goals:
‘And I’m so excited that the moment has come true.
‘To play in the Premier League was one of my targets. I think this is the top-class league in the world – I was thinking if my career as a footballer progressed smoothly, someday I would be able to play in the Premier League.
‘But I never thought I would be able to play in this team and I’m really happy about it. I’m looking forward to it. ‘
His first Premier League appearance could come on January 11 when Liverpool head to London and take on Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham.**************
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