Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp admits he isn’t sure how he can include Takumi Minamino to his starting line-up. Minamino joined the Reds for a cut-price £7.25million last week from Red Bull Salzburg ahead of the January transfer window and will be joining the team in the New Year.
However, Klopp has yet to figure out how the winger will fit in to his 4-3-3 formation as he has no intention of breaking the stunning attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.
However, the German manager sees him as a solid investment for the future and is confident he can ease him in soon.
Minamino’s skills impressed the former Borussia Dortmund boss during both of the Merseysiders’ games against Salzburg in the Champions League.
Klopp said: "How can we put him in, in the short-term?
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp expects a lot from Takumi Minamino (Image: GETTY)
“Long-term, there is no doubt that he will help us, that's clear.
“I’m looking forward to working with him, but between now and Takumi's first real day at Melwood there's still three games so I have a little bit of time to think about where he will fit in.
“All the things we know about Takumi, so many things fit very well to us.
“His football skills first and foremost obviously, his decision-making in tight areas, his speed, his desire to win the ball back.
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Minamino said: “It has been a dream, my dream to become a Liverpool player.
“And I’m so excited that the moment has come true. To play in the Premier League was one of my targets.
“I think this is the top-class league in the world; I was thinking if my career as a footballer progressed smoothly, someday I would be able to play in the Premier League.
“But I never thought I would be able to play in this team and I’m really happy about it. I’m looking forward to it.
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“From those games I learned this team has such a high level of technique and intensity.
“Their football is of such a high level and I did feel that they were the champions of the Champions League.
“Feeling that, it makes me feel even happier that I can play in this team. I’m really happy to be part of that team.
“My target is to win the Premier League and the Champions League, and to make good contributions to the team.”