Topic: Takumi Minamino

[Eeyore]

From Klopp himself...

If Klopp had wanted to start him against Brentford then he could have taken him off against Arsenal, like he did with Fabinho.

[newterp]

If Klopp had wanted to start him against Brentford then he could have taken him off against Arsenal, like he did with Fabinho.

[vivabobbygraham]

The negativity is because with Salah, Mane, Origi, Elliott, Keita and Thiago unavailable, one of our attackers isn't deemed good enough to start at home to Brentford. Instead, we played a midfield player in the front three.

We need better options upfront especially in terms of pace.

Wasn't the Arsenal game his first game back after a few weeks out with injury/covid? He played the full 90. The boss said he was left out of the Brentford starting line up for that reason. Probably sports science dictated he came off the bench for this one. Nothing to see there, Al. You make it sound like he was dropped when that was palpably not the case. Unless Jurgen is blagging us?

[vivabobbygraham]

If Klopp had wanted to start him against Brentford then he could have taken him off against Arsenal, like he did with Fabinho.

It's called managing a rather depleted squad, Al. It's seems clear he's got Taki earmarked for the 2nd leg, yes? Plays the full game against Arsenal, lovely little confidence booster off the bench inbetween the Emirates on Thursday. Say what you want abah the fellah, he's a pretty important squad player as we battle on four fronts. So what he's not 1st choice in the Prem? Pretty fucking few of them are, but he's nailed on for the Carabao and we wouldn't be still in it if it wasn't for Taki. Do you want a bit of silverware this season or what?

[Fromola]

Wasn't the Arsenal game his first game back after a few weeks out with injury/covid? He played the full 90. The boss said he was left out of the Brentford starting line up for that reason. Probably sports science dictated he came off the bench for this one. Nothing to see there, Al. You make it sound like he was dropped when that was palpably not the case. Unless Jurgen is blagging us?

Tbf the other lads with Covid struggled after coming back, Trent had a shocker and it took Fabinho a couple of games to get going again. Even Robbo after a suspension.

Thursday is make or break for him. This is the game he needs to step up.

[mrantarctica]

Tbf the other lads with Covid struggled after coming back, Trent had a shocker and it took Fabinho a couple of games to get going again. Even Robbo after a suspension.

Thursday is make or break for him. This is the game he needs to step up.

Not sure it's such a sudden death evaluation on players. I think he actually looked the brightest of a bad bunch against Arsenal but that was a horrible miss. Overall I thought that his performances have improved since his first game for us, and though there is still much improvements to go, at least the progress is in the right direction. I think he needs to show that further progress has been made in this game, but it's not a do or die thing I suspect.

There are plenty of other players who have been consistently average and not really shown much progress that we don't apply this kind of ultimatum for, so why is it reasonable to then apply it Minamino?

[A-Bomb]

Personally, I think we would be better offloading both Taki and Origi and looking for a pacey forward who fits our system.

I'd rather Taki than Traore who has an abundance of pace for example. Maybe we go down the Aaron Lennon route....Ibe was pretty quick too...

You need to be intelligent and have a high level of technical ability to utilise pace effectively. If Taki was particularly quick, he'd likely be an incredibly well sought after player at the highest level.

I think the task of replacing Origi and Taki with a player who is not only a smart player with a high level of technical ability but is also comparably quick with Mo and Mane is unrealistic. Especially when they will likely spend more time on the bench than on the pitch most games.

I believe that type of player would cost an awful lot of money to acquire with no guarantee they would be productive. I look at Pepe at Arsenal and alarm bells ring loudly in my ear.

Taki is doing perfectly acceptable...even if he doesn't replicate the role Sadio or Mo have in our obvious first team. I'd actually argue that perhaps it is the management team that have to adjust our approach a little when those players are missing to make the most of the player that are available and change the system ever so slightly to get the best from different players on the pitch.

[Topwings!]

Can't wait for the Taki Taka football!

[Eeyore]

Wasn't the Arsenal game his first game back after a few weeks out with injury/covid? He played the full 90. The boss said he was left out of the Brentford starting line up for that reason. Probably sports science dictated he came off the bench for this one. Nothing to see there, Al. You make it sound like he was dropped when that was palpably not the case. Unless Jurgen is blagging us?

How many players come back and play the full 90.

You only play the full 90 if you are unlikely to start the next game. Likewise, Ox was rested against Arsenal and then brought on because he was likely to start against Brentford.

So it was a conscious decision.

[Eeyore]

I'd rather Taki than Traore who has an abundance of pace for example. Maybe we go down the Aaron Lennon route....Ibe was pretty quick too...

You need to be intelligent and have a high level of technical ability to utilise pace effectively. If Taki was particularly quick, he'd likely be an incredibly well sought after player at the highest level.

I think the task of replacing Origi and Taki with a player who is not only a smart player with a high level of technical ability but is also comparably quick with Mo and Mane is unrealistic. Especially when they will likely spend more time on the bench than on the pitch most games.

I believe that type of player would cost an awful lot of money to acquire with no guarantee they would be productive. I look at Pepe at Arsenal and alarm bells ring loudly in my ear.

Taki is doing perfectly acceptable...even if he doesn't replicate the role Sadio or Mo have in our obvious first team. I'd actually argue that perhaps it is the management team that have to adjust our approach a little when those players are missing to make the most of the player that are available and change the system ever so slightly to get the best from different players on the pitch.

As a bench option, I would take a Traore or a Saint-Maximin type player over Taki every day of the week.

As for your second point, that is where it becomes incredibly frustrating. Wanting Klopp to change our approach to fit Taki. That is a bit like the idiots who wanted us to play a lower defensive line to accommodate Phillips. The same people who were telling us Phillips was worth £25m.

[RedG13]

As a bench option, I would take a Traore or a Saint-Maximin type player over Taki every day of the week.

As for your second point, that is where it becomes incredibly frustrating. Wanting Klopp to change our approach to fit Taki. That is a bit like the idiots who wanted us to play a lower defensive line to accommodate Phillips. The same people who were telling us Phillips was worth £25m.

Traore is  a terrible fit for a team team that tries to break down low blocks. Same with Saint-Maximum.

[vivabobbygraham]

Tbf the other lads with Covid struggled after coming back, Trent had a shocker and it took Fabinho a couple of games to get going again. Even Robbo after a suspension.

Thursday is make or break for him. This is the game he needs to step up.

Spot on. Taki starts on Thursday. Nailed on

[Eeyore]

Traore is  a terrible fit for a team team that tries to break down low blocks. Same with Saint-Maximum.

They both draw opposition players in and then allow for quick switches of play.  I would have either against a tiring defence.

[Eeyore]

Spot on. Taki starts on Thursday. Nailed on

Taki has played every minute of every EFL Cup game, he has played 56 minutes in the League, if fit of course he starts on Thursday.

[RedG13]

They both draw opposition players in and then allow for quick switches of play.  I would have either against a tiring defence.

They are both guys that just dribble and do it well in space, Playing in tight spaces and attacking a low block is not either strengths. Taki skills set of finding space in the box and playing 1-2 is much better suited for a facing a low block.

[Eeyore]

They are both guys that just dribble and do it well in space, Playing in tight spaces and attacking a low block is not either strengths. Taki skills set of finding space in the box and playing 1-2 is much better suited for a facing a low block.

We are crying out for players that dribble. Look how effective Matip is when he giraffes through the lines. Players that dribble, draw defenders in and create overloads. That is exactly what you need when you have Trent who is probably the elite player on the planet in terms of switches.

Breaking down a low block is difficult and it rarely happens. What usually happens is that the top teams take advantage of the turnovers. That is when players with real pace take advantage.

[RedG13]

We are crying out for players that dribble. Look how effective Matip is when he giraffes through the lines. Players that dribble, draw defenders in and create overloads. That is exactly what you need when you have Trent who is probably the elite player on the planet in terms of switches.

Breaking down a low block is difficult and it rarely happens. What usually happens is that the top teams take advantage of the turnovers. That is when players with real pace take advantage.

You need players who are good at dribbling in small spaces. Traore is not that guy. Also Taki has the same number number of league goals too as Traore

[Eeyore]

You need players who are good at dribbling in small spaces. Traore is not that guy. Also Taki has the same number number of league goals too as Traore

Teams that rely on overwhelming possession need players that are good at dribbling in small spaces. Counter pressing teams need explosive players. Players who can make the difference during the transitions.

Taki can't do either. He is neither a dribbler or a player who can make the difference during transitions.

 

[mrantarctica]

You need players who are good at dribbling in small spaces. Traore is not that guy. Also Taki has the same number number of league goals too as Traore

Not sure what the hype about Traore is. He has 22 appearances and a solitary goal. He is a one trick pony in that he is just rapid, but other than that, he doesn't have any outstanding qualities and I don't think is anywhere near good enough for a title challenging team. In 4 seasons, he has returned 11 goals (153 appearances 11 goals, or 1 goal every 13-14 games). I have seen nothing from his play that suggests he will suddenly score plenty of goal or create plenty of goals for us here. At least with Saint Maximin you could say that he's being playing with a team that should've been relegated multiple times, but I don't reckon either are good enough for us.

[MonsLibpool]

Not sure what the hype about Traore is. He has 22 appearances and a solitary goal. He is a one trick pony in that he is just rapid, but other than that, he doesn't have any outstanding qualities and I don't think is anywhere near good enough for a title challenging team. In 4 seasons, he has returned 11 goals (153 appearances 11 goals, or 1 goal every 13-14 games). I have seen nothing from his play that suggests he will suddenly score plenty of goal or create plenty of goals for us here. At least with Saint Maximin you could say that he's being playing with a team that should've been relegated multiple times, but I don't reckon either are good enough for us.

Traoré thrives when he has space and he won't get that here while ASM can play in tight spaces but would need to adapt because he tends to hold on to it too long.

[jckliew]

Traoré thrives when he has space and he won't get that here while ASM can play in tight spaces but would need to adapt because he tends to hold on to it too long.

Traore is good for the race courses.

[vivabobbygraham]

How many players come back and play the full 90.

You only play the full 90 if you are unlikely to start the next game. Likewise, Ox was rested against Arsenal and then brought on because he was likely to start against Brentford.

So it was a conscious decision.

Correct. Listen up, Al, Taki Minamino is a perfect member of a squad battling on 4 fronts. Versatile, patient, not a peep out of him in Japenese press, he's fine for us

[vblfc]

Thought Taki looked great tonight.  Basically he battled like it was a semi final. Which is all we can ask of him.
Lovely - Well done - loved it.

[MonsLibpool]

Decent performance by TakiLad.

[Coolie High]

Good cameo.

[jonnypb]

He ran a lot when he came on and put in a shift. Could have cost us huge tho where he failed to pass it to Bobby who had loads of space in the box to shoot.

[scatman]

Yeah he did really well, actually held up the ball really well.

[Eeyore]

Played way too narrow when he came on, which he tends to do. Gives us no width and cramps the full backs. In the two games versus Arsenal, we brought Jones on in the first game and Neco in the second to basically give us some width.

Decent player, but simply doesn't fit with how we play.

[MonsLibpool]

Played way too narrow when he came on, which he tends to do. Gives us no width and cramps the full backs. In the two games versus Arsenal, we brought Jones on in the first game and Neco in the second to basically give us some width.

Decent player, but simply doesn't fit with how we play.

Come on mate! We just got to a final.

[El Lobo]

Played way too narrow when he came on, which he tends to do. Gives us no width and cramps the full backs. In the two games versus Arsenal, we brought Jones on in the first game and Neco in the second to basically give us some width.

Decent player, but simply doesn't fit with how we play.

So, so odd.

[Coolie High]

Played way too narrow when he came on, which he tends to do. Gives us no width and cramps the full backs. In the two games versus Arsenal, we brought Jones on in the first game and Neco in the second to basically give us some width.

Decent player, but simply doesn't fit with how we play.

 

[vblfc]

Played way too narrow when he came on, which he tends to do. Gives us no width and cramps the full backs. In the two games versus Arsenal, we brought Jones on in the first game and Neco in the second to basically give us some width.

Decent player, but simply doesn't fit with how we play.

C’mon - enjoy the win. Taki was solid/good. Have a beer and just enjoy.

[Eeyore]

So, so odd.

Which bit isn't true.

[Legoland]

Played way too narrow when he came on, which he tends to do. Gives us no width and cramps the full backs. In the two games versus Arsenal, we brought Jones on in the first game and Neco in the second to basically give us some width.

Decent player, but simply doesn't fit with how we play.

I could've given you a pass for all the other criticism you levelled at him prior to this. But I can't take you seriously after this.

Your agenda and bias is very clear for all to see.

[Ghost Town]

I've stayed away from this thread as I know it's dogged by weirdos with agendas. But wait, I thought, we've just got to a Cup Final and Taki played his part, running, defending, holding the ball up, winning crucial free kicks to use up time... surely today will be a happy day in the miserable negativity thread?

Oh.

[The G in Gerrard]

Played way too narrow when he came on, which he tends to do. Gives us no width and cramps the full backs. In the two games versus Arsenal, we brought Jones on in the first game and Neco in the second to basically give us some width.

Decent player, but simply doesn't fit with how we play.

If you didn't think he did well today then this thread probably isn't for you.

[Eeyore]

I've stayed away from this thread as I know it's dogged by weirdos with agendas. But wait, I thought, we've just got to a Cup Final and Taki played his part, running, defending, holding the ball up, winning crucial free kicks to use up time... surely today will be a happy day in the miserable negativity thread?

Oh.

Not starting, when we had Salah, Mane, Origi, Keita, Elliot and Ox missing.

[Funky_Gibbons]

Give it a fucking rest Al, we’ve just reached a final.

Classless.

[Eeyore]

If you didn't think he did well today then this thread probably isn't for you.

Maybe some people need to stop kidding themselves. Taki has a great attitude, is clearly likeable but miles away from being good enough for us. This was supposed to be the time when showed up and showed us his worth.

How many players need to be out before he starts games for us ?

[PaulF]

Played way too narrow when he came on, which he tends to do. Gives us no width and cramps the full backs. In the two games versus Arsenal, we brought Jones on in the first game and Neco in the second to basically give us some width.

Decent player, but simply doesn't fit with how we play.

If he's playing narrow, can't the full backs go outside him?