Jurgen Klopp says it's a "crime" that Takumi Minamino does not play more

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp believes that it is a "crime" that Reds forward Takumi Minamino does not represent the club on a more consistent basis.

Klopp made nine changes for last night's Premier League clash against Southampton at St Mary's. The Reds were forced to play extra-time against Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium last weekend.

So, in order to freshen things, Klopp had to make a few personnel changes against the Saints.

Minamino, who is a squad player at Liverpool, came into the side and performed.

The Japan international scored a goal to help the Reds secure a 2-1 victory over Southampton. Therefore, Klopp waxed lyrical about the attacker post-match.

“It’s a crime Minamino doesn’t play more. Harvey (Elliott) didn’t play for a long time. Curtis (Jones) didn’t play much. They delivered,” he told reporters, as quoted by BBC Sport.

“It’s unbelievable. Making nine changes and this performance is exceptional.

“We would have had much more problems today if we’d played the guys who played 120 minutes on Saturday.”

Anfield Watch Verdict

Liverpool signed Minamino from RB Salzburg for a transfer fee of £7.65 million back in January 2020. Since then, the forward has only made 55 appearances for the club's first-team.

Klopp is right. Minamino possesses the quality to play a lot more senior football at Liverpool. The Japan international found the back of the net 64 times and registered 43 assists in 199 appearances for RB Salzburg.

However, the reality is, Minamino has the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz ahead of him.

So, when you consider the attacking talent Klopp has at his disposal, it becomes difficult to select the 27-year-old on a consistent basis.

With that being the case, we do believe that Minamino's long-term future is away from Anfield.