Liverpool assistant manager Pep Ljinders has compared a recent addition to Jurgen Klopp’s squad to one of his star strikers while talking to the media ahead of the Carabao Cup clash against Arsenal on Thursday.
The Reds dominated the Gunners in the league on Monday and were deserved winners. However, tomorrow’s game is likely to feature a different team, with someone else leading the line.
Takumi Minamino hasn’t become a star at Liverpool yet but the cup tie will offer him a good chance to make his name. The Japanese attacker scored his first goal for the Reds against Arsenal in the Community Shield, and is likely to start against the Gunners tomorrow.
Ljinders spoke about the former Salzburg star in his press conference today, comparing him to another star Reds attacker.
He said, as reported by The Mirror: “Wow – what desire! He is somebody who turns our game collective as well, the same as Roberto (Firmino) does. His development has been outstanding. He always gives everything, each day.”
Minamino earned a ton of plaudits for his performance for Salzburg against Liverpool in the Champions League last season. Klopp signed him for just £7.25 million (BBC) but has yet to become a regular for the Reds.
The Japan international has only played 18 times for Liverpool in all competitions. He failed to score for them last season but his goal in the Community Shield helped his side take the game to penalties.
Minamino has a decent record in the Carabao Cup this season. The 25-year-old scored twice and provided an assist against Lincoln City in the last round, but the game against Arsenal will be a lot tougher.
The Gunners will look to bounce back after their defeat on Monday. However, if Minamino and his teammates perform at their best, Liverpool will have a good chance of beating the Londoners twice in four days.
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