For anyone who watches Liverpool on a regular basis, it is clear that it is very hard to get into this team. Jurgen Klopp has an open door policy for any player, and will always look to give a chance to players in the squad when he can. This is why the likes of Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino are well-liked by fans. Origi has a fine record of big game goals, while Minamino scored numerous key goals in the cups this season. However, that is unlikely to be enough to see them still playing in red in 2022-23.
The Reds are believed to be kene to move on from the duo. Origi has already agreed a deal with Milan, according to reports, while Minamino will be put on the market this summer. The Japanese international has shone at times, but has not made the impact many expected when he first arrived in a cut-price deal from Red Bull Salzburg. A stay in the Premier League is expected for the Japanese, though teams in Germany are also keen to try and land the attacking midfielder.
Both players have been important to Liverpool this year, but it looks like their time has come and gone. Origi will also sadly miss the UEFA Champions League final with a muscle injury. This will rob him of the chance for one final farewell with the Reds faithful – a key goal in the recent Merseyside Derby win will have to do.
Minamino has barely played in recent weeks, but was a crucial contributor around about the Christmas period when the games piled up. Though his time at Anfield has ben somewhat frustrating, he will be remembered fondly by the fans.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also set to depart
One player we have not mentioned from the squad is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. This is because, if we were to be harsh, he would be the only player in the squad who has failed to meaningfully contribute this year. The attacking midfielder once looked a highly exciting prospect, scoring goals from midfield and frequently scoring from range.
However, he looks set to depart after an injury-riddled and inconsistent period on Merseyside. A brutal injury against AS Roma likely robbed him of his zip and his burst, and it has been a struggle ever since to find form once again in the midfield. At the same time, big-name arrivals such as Fabinho and Thiago have further pushed him out of the reckoning.
It has been some time since ‘AOC’ was able to really contribute in red. He is expected to be moved on this summer, likely to a Premier League club, for a decent fee. Given the expectation and the form showed in his first season in 2017-18, though, fans cannot help but be disappointed at how things turned out.
A talented player no doubt, Oxlade-Chamberlain will hopefully find his feet at a new club when his spell in Liverpool comes to an end.
