Liverpool have agreed on a deal to sign Takumi Minamino (h/t Liverpool website) when the transfer window opens after putting pen-to-paper on a contract at Anfield.
A versatile midfielder capable of playing on both flanks and through the middle either as an attacking midfielder, he is certainly a bargain buy for the Reds.
Klopp already has one of the best attacks in the game right now, with Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino unlikely to drop out of the starting XI any time soon. If Klopp wants to add Minamino into the mix with his current terrifying triumvirate, the diminutive star could operate in a number of formations. In 199 appearances for Salzburg, Minamino has played as a right-winger, a left-winger, centre-forward, second striker and attacking midfielder.
Here are the possible formations Liverpool could line up with Minamino in the starting XI.
Liverpool have used a 4-2-3-1 formation a couple of times this season and it would allow him to slide into the setup with relative ease. Against Watford in the Premier League, we saw Xherdan Shaqiri come in on the right with Salah up top, Roberto Firmino as a No.10 and Mane continuing in his normal role. Klopp has also used Oxlade-Chamberlain on the right but Minamino would be a better fit on the flank.
With a flexible Firmino, Liverpool could thrive in this formation. Meanwhile, Fabinho and Wijnaldum would ideally have to dominate the centre of the park to allow Mane and Minamino to have a go at the opposition defence. The abilities of full-backs Robertson and Alexander-Arnold will make this a deadly formation for the Reds.
In James Milner, Liverpool have a utility player. His versatility has made him one of the best players in the Premier League. The English midfielder has been deployed at various positions over the years for Liverpool. But Minamino could prove to be a blessing in disguise for Milner. Having struggled to get into the first team consistently, Milner could now be a vital cog in the 4-3-3 formation.
With Fabinho doing the dirty work in the centre of the park and Milner’s workaholic nature, Liverpool could go forward deploying a 4-3-3 formation that would include Firmino as the focal point of the attack.
In that case, Alexander-Arnold and Robertson will have the opportunity to bombard forward and overlap the wingers. The trio of Minamino, Salah and Mane could make Liverpool one of the most dangerous attacking sides in Europe.
During his time at Salzburg, Minamino has proven that he can play in more than one position. In crucial matches against top sides, Liverpool could set-up their team to play on the counter-attack.
In the five spots ahead of that No. 6 role, which is commonly Fabinho’s job, Minamino could arguably play anywhere. He can play alongside Oxlade-Chamberlain and Mane in a 4-1-3-2 and provide support to the attackers when going forward. Fabinho generally tends to stay deep and intercept play and initiate counter-attacks.
With Salah and Firmino, both of whom are clinical in front of the goal, Minamino and Mane would be the men to dictate play. Thus, it is safe to say that Liverpool have expanded their options in the front end of the pitch.