Takumi Minamino needs time to adapt to Liverpool.
Takumi Minamino has had a quiet start to his Liverpool career after he joined the Reds in January, but his former boss suggests he will succeed.
The Japanese international was bought from Red Bull Salzburg in January after he scored against the Reds in the Champions League group stage match at Anfield in October and he’s gone on to make seven appearances across all competitions and has yet to score a goal.
Recently, Minamino’s former boss at Red Bull Salzburg, Jesse Marsch, made comments to the Liverpool Echo, reported by the Mirror, regarding Minamino’s start to life at Liverpool.
Marsch explained while Minamino has had a quiet start to life on the Merseyside, he will eventually be a success.
"March commented that Miniamino is: “a little quiet and he is not the most outgoing guy but he is a top, top-class individual.”"
The Salzburg gaffer exclusively told the Liverpool Echo and continued to explain that the forward was well-liked in the locker room and is incredibly friendly with all of the players.
Granted Minamino has only played seven games so far, it does not mean he is a bust. Minamino has only given us Liverpool fans a sampling of what is to come. He showed in the Champions League group stage matches how he can be dangerous and efficient in the attacking front.
With the possible departure of Xherdan Shaqiri as well as Adam Lallana, Minamino can fill the holes as the attacking presence off the bench.
Because he was bought in January, he has not had the time to adapt to the play style of Jurgen Klopp as well as his teammates compared to someone who would have been bought in the summer and would have had a reason to adapt.
Give Minamino time and he will adapt to the style of play and will give Klopp another attacking option off the bench.
You have to give players time especially someone who is also learning a new language and adapting to a more physical league. It will take time and Minamino will eventually get there, just as Marsch had said.