Liverpool 0-0 Everton: 3 things we learned – Takumi Minamino doesn’t work
Takumi Minamino doesn’t work
He was the surprise package in the line up. Minamino started out wide left as Mane was shifted across to the right but it didn’t really work.
Fans were excited about the prospect of Keita and Minamino linking up, like they did in the old days, but that never really happened.
The Japanese international worked hard but it never really happened for him and Minamino got taken off after the first 45. He still looks a little lightweight off the ball and seemed to get knocked around slightly. Perhaps another preseason will help him bulk up a little and improve that strength.
He had a habit of coming short to pick up the ball, and often run into the same channels as Firmino. When Oxlade-Chamberlain come on for him, the former Arsenal man immediately tried to stretch Everton by making runs in behind.
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Neither of those two options worked out in the end as Liverpool couldn’t find a way past the bus Carlo Ancelotti parked, and Klopp will have to settle for the one point.
With games coming thick and fast, it’ll be interesting to see where and when Minamino plays again. He could well get a chance as Firmino’s understudy, a position where he is better placed to excel.