Takumi Minamino has to be worried now, after Jurgen Klopp didn’t use him again for Liverpool yesterday.
With the Reds chasing a goal, Klopp turned to Divock Origi rather than Minamino, which just goes to show how far down the pecking order the Japanese international has fallen.
There are strong rumours that Origi will depart Liverpool in the summer, but he now seems to be well clear of Minamino in the selection order.
The Belgian started for the Reds in the week, and was introduced at Old Trafford yesterday – as Klopp looks to find solutions to his side’s attacking issues.
Minamino, meanwhile, has had a watching brief in recent weeks – despite Liverpool’s struggles going forward.
Klopp’s decision to turn to Origi was understandable, as he has scored important goals in the past.
But by not using Minamino Klopp sent out a clear message that he doesn’t trust the £7 million January signing (BBC Sport) to be able to perform for his side.
Minamino has shown flashes of skill since his arrival, but has rarely looked up to the quality required to nail down a place in Liverpool’s starting line-up.
And there must be concerns about the 26-year-old now, as unless a dramatic turnaround happens between now and the end of the season, his stay at Anfield could well be a brief one.
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