Minamino continues to show positives despite Liverpool’s Carabao Cup defeat

Since his arrival from RB Salzburg in January 2020, Takumi Minamino hasn’t quite hit the heights expected of him.

However, a bright start to the 20/21 campaign has left Liverpool and Premier League supporters alike wondering if he’ll be able to cement a place in the first team ahead of the Reds’ first title defence since the 1990/91 campaign.

Minamino will have relished the opportunity to make his second Carabao Cup appearance of the season, following on from his impressive performance against Lincoln City where the Japanese international scored a brace and provided an assist from the left-wing. This time around it was the strikers’ position which had his name on it, providing him with the opportunity to showcase his versatility.  

It’s fair to say that Minamino had a quiet opening ten minutes, finding space in between the lines seemed easy for him, but it wasn’t enough to cause Arsenal’s defence any real danger.

An aggressive edge to Minamino’s game was on show in the 17th minute, as a late challenge on young Englishman Bukayo Saka earned him a yellow card.

Just two minutes later, Minamino found himself with the ball at his feet just yards inside the opposition’s box, an opportunity to amend for his previous foul perhaps, but it didn’t make for pretty viewing as the ball got tangled between his feet and eventually forced out for a goal kick. 

Minamino’s instructions were clear to see, a typical Firmino-esque work rate found the 25-year-old dropping deeper than the midfielders at times, leaving space for the onrushing Mohamed Salah and newboy Diogo Jota to try and break the last line of defence. 

It was the 45th minute before Minamino had his first real opportunity to change the scoreline, although the less said about that the better. A wonderfully placed cross met the head of Diogo Jota who put Bernd Leno to the test, the out-stretched arm of the German international only parried it to the feet of Minamino who, from three yards, thrashed a left-footed volley off the crossbar, bewildering his teammates and coaching staff alike. He’d certainly be hoping for a better second half.

It’s also worth noting that neither team were playing their A-game, as the second half kicked off chances had been hard to come by for both sides, naturally leading to a higher intensity for the remaining 45 minutes. The opportunity for Minamino to thrive was obvious, whether or not he’d take the opportunity remained to be seen.

The next big chance in the game also fell to Liverpool, however Minamino wasn’t involved at all, returning Bournemouth loanee Harry Wilson did well to dispossess Granit Xhaka in the 60th minute before teeing up Marko Grujic, who saw his low-driven shot well saved by Leno once again. 

Leno then spared Arsenal’s blushes on yet another occasion minutes later as he rose high to tip away a dipping header, Grujic once again the player who missed out on breaking the deadlock. The story seemed to be repeating itself at this point. 

By the 75th minute Minamino knew his fate for this match at least as Jurgen Klopp made his third substitution. As predictable as it may have already been, Minamino completing the full 90 minutes suggested even further that Firmino would be keeping his place in the starting eleven for Liverpool’s next fixture against Aston Villa. Disappointing for Minamino perhaps, though a reasonable decision given his lacklustre performance on the night.

Both sides failed to score in what was, in reality, a disappointing showing from two giants of the English game. A penalty shoot-out followed, but Minamino perfectly tucked his penalty away into the top right-hand corner, hopefully reinstalling some much needed confidence after his previous miss.

Liverpool ultimately failed to progress into the next round due to both Divock Origi and Harry Wilson seeing their penalties saved by the ever-impressive Bern Leno.

In what was ultimately a disappointing evening for Minamino, there were some positives to take.

Another ninety minutes in the tank would be a good place to start, his impressive movement and work-rate didn’t go unnoticed, and his tidy penalty effort was that of an established goal scorer.

A place in the starting eleven for him in the near future seems some unrealistic for now. His performances will certainly need to become more consistent, and a tad more effective against stronger opposition, if he’s to force a way into Klopp’s regular starting eleven this season.

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