Jurgen Klopp hints that he has made a mistake with Takumi Minamino

Jurgen Klopp says Takumi Minamino could deserve more playing time for Liverpool, hinting that he has made a mistake with his use of him.

The Japanese arrived from RB Salzburg last January, but is still waiting to fully make his mark at Anfield.

Minamino has scored four goals in 29 Liverpool appearances to date, including one in his last game, away to Crystal Palace. The 25-year-old hasn’t played since that match, however, despite shining at Selhurst Park.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday [via the Mirror], Klopp spoke about the forward’s lack of time on the pitch, suggesting he could use him more regularly moving forward.

He is in a good shape – a really good shape – he developed, he got used to it.

He was a good player when we signed him, obviously, but he got used to the intensity, the league, training, all this stuff.

He made big steps. I know the last game he played was Crystal Palace and since then we didn’t win another [game], so we should think about involving him, obviously.

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While Minamino has been fairly underwhelming for the Reds so far, he often cuts a classy figure whenever he does play.

He was excellent in the aforementioned 7-0 win at Palace, so it is strange that Klopp hasn’t played him in any of the three matches since, especially with Liverpool searching for winning goals or equalisers in all of them.

It would be a surprise if Minamino didn’t start Friday’s FA Cup third round clash with Aston Villa, where he will hope to prove a point to his manager.

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