Takumi Minamino is the answer to every Liverpool transfer question

Liverpool have experimented with a 4-2-3-1 formation in preseason.

This is a formation Jurgen Klopp used regularly in 2018/19, with Xherdan Shaqiri often occupying the number ten role in behind Roberto Firmino.

The fluidity of the Brazilian allowed Shaqiri to advance into goal scoring positions, with the strikes against Burnley at Turf Moor and Arsenal at Anfield showcasing his ability to do so.

It has appeared that Jurgen Klopp is looking to return to that formation. The likes of Curtis Jones and Takumi Minamino have featured there, with the Japan international being Liverpool’s stand-out player of the period.

He bagged against Stuttgart in the opening game before netting the equaliser against Arsenal in the Community Shield defeat. He also notched in the 7-2 thrashing of Blackpool.

This begs the question – is Minamino the creative midfielder fans have been begging for? And is he the versatile attacking option we have been craving?

He has the potential to be both, with his last season, despite lacking quality, showcasing his dog-like work-rate and passion for the club in general.

This application has come not only on the field but off it. His efforts to integrate with the squad have been noticed, after he used the lock-down period to improve his English to communicate with the rest of the squad.

This was one of the main concerns when Minamino arrived at the club – would he be of the quality we need to be the cover for the brilliant front three – and would he fit in?

This pre-season has proven just why Liverpool invested the paltry £7.25m in him in January, and why they would have shelled out considerably more if we needed to.

Minamino fits in the number nine, ten, eight and eleven roles – with varying quality but he is the perfect cover. He might not start against Leeds, but he probably won’t have to wait long to shine.

Mark my words. 20+ goals and assists this season for Taki. It is the year of Minamino.