Liverpool already have a backup for Roberto Firmino, so don't necessarily need to rush out and buy a striker in the summer transfer window. That's the belief held by RB Salzburg boss Jesse Marsch, who believes Takumi Minamino is a ready-made alternative to the Brazilian forward.
Liverpool have been told they have a replacement for Roberto Firmino (Image: GETTY)
But he told the Liverpool Echo that Minamino's best position is as a centre-forward, in the same style as Firmino.
Marsch said: "He won’t be the best at playing the position that Salah and Sadio play, because they are used in very explosive transition movements.
"I think he could be good in Roberto Firmino’s position where against the ball, he is ready to do some pressing, but then with the ball, he comes into almost a 10 position for build-up and gets in the box to score goals.
"Firmino is so good at it but I think that’s something Taki can do as well.
Takumi Minamino has been compared to Roberto Firmino (Image: GETTY)
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"And I think he can play the eight position that they play in the midfield, with the two wide spots where he’s ready to press and help pick up balls, but he’s also part of the build-up phases.
"Because he is so intelligent, I think either Firmino or the positions alongside the six in the system that they play in Liverpool would be good for him."
Liverpool are believed to be in the market for a new striker this summer, and have been heavily linked with RB Leipzig's Timo Werner.
The German has a release clause of £52m, and Marsch believes the 24-year-old would be a great signing.
He added: "It won't be cheap for Liverpool but he'd be a great asset for them, for sure.
"He can [play across the front three] because he's intelligent. He likes drifting to the left side.
"Even when he plays as a double striker he likes to drift a little bit towards the left side and then be ready to run without the ball, slashing in behind the back line of the opponent or get balls on the run and go 1v1 or come in on his right foot.
"He can do this from the right, from the left. He's so smart at finding space and timing his runs behind. And his pace is incredible, as well as his finishing ability at speed. From an attacking perspective, he has very few weaknesses, if any."