Takumi Minamino's former coach tells Jurgen Klopp how to get best out of Japanese star

The £7.25m January signing has yet to make much of an impression at Liverpool but his ex-manager still has faith he will come good at Anfield

Red Bull Salzburg manager Jesse Marsch believes his former player Takumi Minamino must play in Roberto Firmino's position if he is to show his best form for Liverpool.

The 25-year-old joined the Reds in January but has had a slow start to life in the Premier League, and is yet to score or create an assist for the team.

Marsch helped develop Minamino into the player he is now during his time in Austria, and speaking on the Blood Red podcast he urged Jurgen Klopp to play the Japanese international in his best position.

"He won't be the best at playing the position that (Mohamed) Salah and Sadio (Mane) play, because they are used in very explosive transition movements," Marsch said.

"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.

"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."

Marsch admitted he was disappointed to lose Minamino, and believes Liverpool got a bargain by paying just £7.25m for the player.

"The thing that hurt with Taki is that Liverpool got him way, way, way too cheap," he added. "But this is part of managing the market and managing player contracts.

"We always have here, with the scouting team and the sports director, they do an amazing job, and we always have the next generation of players here and ready to take the next step."