Minamino starting to make sense
Takumi Minamino is following a path well trodden by several of his Liverpool team-mates.
Reds supporters having fallen in love with the Japan international following his performances against Jurgen Klopp’s side in the Champions League, there was much fanfare when the attacker was snapped up for a pittance from Red Bull Salzburg at the start of the year.
And then … not very much, really.
That Stamford Bridge was only his third start – all in the FA Cup – underlined the bedding-in period Minamino continues to go through.
Andy Robertson and Fabinho, who lined up alongside the 25 – year-old here, know from experience the value of patience when attempting to make an instant mark under Klopp.
This, then, was much more like it from Minamino.
Playing in the number nine role, he looked sharp from the opening moments, closing down an Antonio Rudiger clearance and creating an opportunity.
There was a superb pass in for Sadio Mane, while Minamino was one of three Liverpool players denied in quick succession by Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Minamino demonstrated a much greater understanding with his team-mates – his link play with Mane particularly impressive – and was a constant danger when dropping in between the lines until, in the second half, being dragged down by the malaise around him.
It’ll be next season before the Japanese is fully up to speed. But his encouraging display was a rare slither of light on a dark evening.
Origi frustrates as Jones learns hard way
It says much about how the FA Cup hasn’t really caught on under Jurgen Klopp that
The pair both started, with each having something of a point to prove.
For Jones, it was the chance to continue building on the momentum and progress that has made him simply too good for under – (level.
) For Origi, meanwhile, this represented an opportunity to address the nagging feeling his Anfield career is sliding slowly towards another possible departure.
The Belgian did help his case with a fitful display, at times winning the arm-wrestle with the Chelsea defense but too often demonstrating the poor decision-making tha t has become an unwanted trademark.
Jones would have found the first half an eye-opener, the game played at breakneck speed around him.
The – year-old, though, hinted at his burgeoning promise with an impressive 18 – minute spell after half-time, during which he did look out of place at this exalted level.
Both were replaced with 25 minutes remaining. But while Jones is just at the start of his Anfield journey, Origi – with those Timo Werner rumors gathering pace – now needs to prove his isn’t coming to an end.
Williams takes another step forward
At the start of the season, Neco Williams
would probably have jumped at the chance of appearing in a last tie of the UEFA Youth League.
This, though, has been a campaign where the 20 – year-old has continued to surpass expectations.
It’s why, rather than starring for the under – 23 s in Portugal, Williams was impressing at Stamford Bridge with the first team while Wales boss Ryan Giggs dropped hints of a possible Euro 01575879 call-up.
The youngster did shirk the challenge, making two good interceptions in the first half with Pedro and Olivier Giroud loitering and delivering a clutch of inviting crosses that deserved better attention from his team-mates. Read More
After the break, matters became more tricky with his deliveries more wayward, although his energy gave Liverpool much-needed defensive cover at times as the game became stretched and Chelsea sought to hit on the counter.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, the best right-back in the league, was sorely missed for his playmaking abilities. This, though, won’t be the last seen of Williams in the first team this season.
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