Mark Lawrenson has claimed that Takumi Minamino might well be Roberto Firmino’s long-term replacement at Liverpool.
The Japan international joined the Reds on a permanent deal from Salzburg in January, for a £7.25 million fee [Forbes].
But despite arriving with a big reputation, Minamino, who starred against Liverpool in the Champions League this season, has struggled in England and only played 139 minutes of Premier League football.
He had a 16-minute cameo in last night’s 4-0 win over Crystal Palace at Anfield, when he replaced the Brazilian attacker.
And long term, Liverpool legend Lawrenson believes that Minamino – who was signed as a wide player – will be Firmino’s successor for that central role.
He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I think Takumi Minamino will eventually end up playing where Roberto Firmino plays. On Sunday he kept running into the space where Firmino was, that’s why they didn’t play particularly well. But eventually – it’s not going to happen while Firmino is around – he’ll take that spot.”
One of the beauties of Minamino is indeed his flexibility, and he can play on either wing or as a second striker.
But Firmino is arguably the best of his kind in Europe and not just anyone can do what the former Hoffenheim star – who has 34 assists and 56 goals in 168 Premier League outings – does.
Can Minamino? It might be a stretch but, then again, he’s at Liverpool for a reason and eventually he’s probably going to show why Jurgen Klopp brought him in.
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