Moving Target

Can Minamino boost Southampton’s FPL assets in time for Double Gameweek 25?

After their 9-0 defeat to Manchester United in the wake of an ongoing injury crisis, Southampton need a pick-up before Fantasy Premier League managers will consider them for Double Gameweek 25.

And they may already have the catalyst for that waiting in the wings, as Takumi Minamino (£6.0m) prepares to make his Premier League debut for the Saints.

The question is: how quickly can he make an impact?

Anyone having an early night on Sunday will have missed the most surprising deal of the deadline, which saw the Japanese international loaned out by Liverpool.

Minamino was thought to be an important part of Jurgen Klopp’s side but it appears the boss wants him to get more Premier League experience first.

Southampton, who are going through an injury crisis, had been looking for attacking cover in the window and manager Ralph Hasenhüttl revealed Minamino was the perfect fit:

“I am very pleased to welcome Takumi to our squad for the rest of this season. He will help provide another good attacking option, and is importantly the right profile of player for us.

“This will give us some additional depth in our squad at an important time, and I am looking forward to beginning work with him on the training pitch.”

Ralph Hasenhüttl

The former Red Bull Salzburg player could be introduced to the team straight away, with Theo Walcott (£5.8m) and Stuart Armstrong (£5.5m) becoming the latest Saints players to suffer an injury.

With a relatively low price and the potential for out-of-position appearances, will Minamino’s loan prove to be beneficial for Fantasy managers.

MINI-MINO

The signing of Minamino in January last year was heralded as a masterstroke, with the player costing around £7.25m due to a release clause.

Minamino made a name for himself playing for RB Salzburg in Austria, particularly with his performances in the Champions League.

His performance at Anfield for Salzburg, where he scored and was his side’s best player, had his future Liverpool teammates raving about him to Jurgen Klopp, urging him to sign him.

And his style even appeared to be perfectly suited to Klopp’s system, with Minamino frantically pressing defenders and unlocking defences with his dribbling skills.

Along with his style and pressing, Minamino also produced impressive attacking numbers, with 64 goals and 44 assists in 199 games for Salzburg.

So when Minamino arrived at Anfield, the hope was that he would provide quality cover and eventually challenge Liverpool’s front three.

But the attacking midfielder has often found himself on the periphery of the team since his move a year ago.

Hopes that this season would see him settle into English football did not pan out, with Minamino restricted to nine appearances, mainly from the bench.

Jurgen Klopp even suggested that the player’s height had counted against him, due to Liverpool’s issues at centre-back.

“Takumi is an incredibly good player and we didn’t give him enough chances, that’s the truth. That’s for different reasons. Sometimes it was just the size; because of our problems in defence we were not tall enough and then Takumi on the pitch you think, ‘OK, how can we do that then?’

Defending set-pieces is a very important part. It’s for the player not too interesting and for journalists probably not too interesting, but in some moments even these kind of things make the difference why one player is playing and the other not.”

Jurgen Klopp

Southampton were also surprised to hear Minamino would be available, having initially inquired about loaning right-back Neco Williams (£3.9m).

But upon hearing of Minamino’s availability, Hasenhüttl reportedly jumped at the chance, knowing Minamino was schooled in the “Red Bull way” which shares a lot of the same philosophies as his Southampton side.

THE RED BULL WAY

Minamino played his best football in Salzburg’s 4-2-2-2 formation, a system Hasenhüttl has replicated at Saint Mary’s.

Southampton’s style of play, which sees their team relentlessly press opposition and implement fast attacking play, also shares elements of Klopp’s Liverpool team, which is why Minamino has been allowed to head to the south coast.

In this system, Minamino was often the focal point of Salzburg’s offence, linking it with their midfield and acting as their main creative force.

Minamino’s control, passing range and dribbling skills were vital in Salzburg’s attack, with players making runs in behind him.

Former manager Jesse Marsch previously explained how his footballing brain was more valuable than his physical abilities:

“When I came [to the club], I knew he was going to be a big part of what we were about. He’s smart, very clever. He’s not pure explosive but he understands football, he understands how to make final plays and tactics.”

Jesse Marsch

As well as making final passes, Minamino’s dribbling skills developed as a number 10 in the Salzburg system, which gave him the freedom to drop deep and run at defences.

The Japanese forward was also one of the hardest working members of the squad, pressing right across the frontline and into the channels.

With all of the of the aspects of play shared by RB Salzburg and Southampton, it would appear Minamino should fit in straight away.

His creativity could also provide a much-needed boost to an ailing Southampton attack.

INGS CAN ONLY GET BETTER

Minamino will be joining a Southampton attack in dire need of goals and creativity.

Known for their vibrant attacking play last season with Danny Ings (£8.4m) at the helm, goals have completely dried up for the Saints.

They are the lowest scorers in the Premier League in their last six games, hitting the back of the net only two times.

Injuries to key personnel including Ings haven’t helped, but their lack of goal threat appears to run very deep.

FINAL THOUGHTS

With Southampton’s small squad and current injury crisis, Minamino is likely to see plenty of game-time, whether in midfield or up front.

The Japanese star has clearly had a tough time settling into Premier League football, but there have been flashes of what he can do.

And based on his previous form, he appears to be moving into a system more suited to his style of play.

It may be that Minamino needs to play with a strike partner or in a deeper position, rather than as a centre-forward in a three, as he did at Liverpool.

Southampton are in dire need of a creative body up front and in midfield, so if Minamino can replicate the form he showed at RB Salzburg, he could provide a much-needed boost to Southampton’s season.

His presence in the side could also bring Danny Ings back into the thoughts of Fantasy Premier League managers.

747 Comments Post a Comment
  1. meechamspowders
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is son or salah > Maddison worth a punt this week?

    1. 2OLEgend
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Nah, not for me

    2. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      no.

      Spurs were awful last night, but WBA are horrific defensively, still fancy Son for a goal.

    3. Saka Rice
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Definitely not Son hes playing West Brom, but why not do Salah>Rashford?

      1. meechamspowders
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Already have shaw, Bruno & cavani

  2. 2OLEgend
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bottomed.

    Hi guys.
    2FT & 4.9m ITB

    Martinez (DDG)
    Dias, Coufal, Dallas (Stones, Mitchell)
    Son, Salah, (B)runo, Soucek, Gundo
    Bamford, Antonio (DCL)

    A) DDG -> Pope (play Pope over Martinez in 24 and 25, then to fodder)
    B) Mitchell -> Mee/Tark
    C) Coufal -> Mee/Tark
    D) Anything else?

    Bench OK? Y/N?

    Cheers

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B)

      1. 2OLEgend
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers. B means I have to bench 2 of Dias, Stones, Dallas, Coufal in gw 24 though

  3. No Professionals
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Johnstone
    Dias Coufal Dallas
    Salah Fernandes(c) Son Gundogan Soucek
    Bamford Antonio

    Steer DCL Stones Mitchell
    1FT 5.2m

    A) Johnstone to Pope
    B) Johnstone to Martinez
    C) Save

    1. Big Al Stankovic
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Stede —> Pope

      1. Big Al Stankovic
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        *steer

        1. No Professionals
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          johnstone is about as deadwood as steer imo.

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

    3. @persecuted_by_mods
        3 years, 1 month ago

        If you have BB upgrade steer if not Pope in for Johnstone

        1. Mighty Wings
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          This

    4. Slitherene
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Bench which one?

      A) Cancelo
      B) Jesus
      C) Mee

      1. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        C

      2. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        cancelo for me.

      3. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        B

      4. Gandalf
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Mee

    5. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      How was Son last night? Still worth a go vs WBA or a busted flush and just get Grealish?

      1. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        invisible, but no fault of his own, looked lost amongst a bunch of absolute chumps.

        But WBA are something else.

        1. Jafooli
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Sounds like Spurs are in a bit of a pickle....but that’s when they run out with a 5-0’er, to lure us all back in.

          Reckon I’ll punt on Son grabbing a mini-haul this GW

      2. Pegboy
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I wouldn't buy or sell. Spurs are woeful at the moment.

    6. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Is James back in for Chelsea or is Rudiger safer bet?

      1. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Rudiger for me

      2. marcos11
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Rudiger more nailed

    7. Turdgen Plopp
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Anyone fancy getting Werner in?

      1. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        not yet

      2. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        maybe next year

      3. Il Capitano
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        It's a no from me

    8. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Martinez
      Cancelo Cresswell Robbo
      Salah Bruno Son Grealish Gundo
      DCL Antonio

      (Steer Dias Brewster Mitchell)

      Robbo & Brewster to Lowton & Bamford for free?
      Leaves enough cash for Steer to Pope next week.

      Can then decide later for DGW25 if I want to wildcard or just get Raphinha & Ings for a hit.

      1. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        A sounds good

    9. BigBob
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Currently top 10k. Top of ML by 100 but EVERYONE has Son.

      Martinez Steer
      Dias Coufal Dallas Holding KWP
      Salah Bruno Gundo Sterling Burke
      Bamford Antonio DCL

      Should I do Sterling > Son just to cover myself?
      Otherwise would do KWP to Rudiger / Mee or Burke to Soucek

      Any help appreciated!

      1. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        try helping some other people first

      2. Saka Rice
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Why not do Salah>Rashford for hte next few gameweeks? Especially if you have a WC left because you can always bring him back later?

        I would rather roll a transfer than put a defender in. And I wouldn't get rid of Sterling for Son for just one gamewek especially if you're not going to captain him.

        1. BigBob
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Hmm hadn't thought about that mate! It does seem a waste going Sterling > Son for one GW

    10. Nightcrawler
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Fpl Round 7 probably comes down to

      Him: Bruno, Dallas, Fabianski, DCL, Justin, Sterling

      Vs

      Me: Cresswell, Antonio, McCarthy, Maguire, Son x2

    11. marcos11
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Best defender for gw23 and gw24?
      a) Rudiger
      b) Mee
      c) Someone else?

      1. Big Al Stankovic
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        If you have Pope, then get Rudiger. If not get a Burnley defender in.

    12. Big Al Stankovic
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Bench two:
      A)Digne
      B)Dias
      C)Stones
      D)Salah
      E)Watkins
      F)Dcl

      Buy:
      1. Salah —> Son
      2. Watkins —> Bamford
      3. Save for next gw

      1. subhojit123
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        C, A

        1. Big Al Stankovic
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Thanks.
          Any take on worth getting in Son or Bamford?

      2. Mighty Wings
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        A, C and save

      3. marcos11
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        AC

    13. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Do we know when next DGW & BGW’s will be? If so, who likely involved?

      If not, when do we expect to find out?

      Please and thanks....

      1. Mr Wolf
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        we should know more by the next GW deadline I believe.

        1. Jafooli
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Cheers Wolfe....

          Is there any particular team players we should be thinking of getting in for a DGW, and any we certainly shouldn’t?

          Don’t have WC or FH so need to start bringing in now....

      2. tbos83
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        DGWs in 24 & 25 now confirmed on the fixtures in FPL app

        1. Jafooli
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Ah righto, and finalised?

          Care to share which teams so far have a double?

          Not on the App....

          1. marcos11
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            City, Everton, Fulham and Burnley gw24. Leeds and Southampton gw25

    14. THL33
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Thinking about:

      Adams to Antonio
      Foden to Eze.

      Can I go without a Leeds attacker tho?

      1. Il Capitano
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Get Raph instead of Eze then?

        1. THL33
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I guess, but I prefer Eze over him and Ant man over Bam Bam

      2. mcsteely
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        You might like to keep Adams for Southampton doubles.

        Eze is a nice punt though if you're in the mood

        1. THL33
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          maybe, had him for too long now. Really think Eze is the one this week

      3. Big Al Stankovic
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        A to A is a no brainer!

        Rafinha and Bamford is probably a must come dgw!

        1. THL33
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          But then again Newcastle are super depleted

      4. THL33
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks folks, this has been helpful

    15. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Play 3:

      A) Stones (liv)
      B) Cancelo (liv)
      C) Coufal (ful)
      D) Justin (wol)
      E) Lowton (BHA)

      1. Il Capitano
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Currently on BCD

      2. Pegboy
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        BCE

    16. tbos83
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Have swapped Saiss out for Mee - same price and he has good fixtures inc dgw next week.

      1. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        cool story

      2. Il Capitano
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Good move

    17. Lazaretti
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Any Zaha injury update?

      1. tbos83
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        It's a hammy so must be a couple of weeks at least

    18. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      when you have a burst of answering every question on a page, and can't get any feedback yourself, love this place sometimes.

      1. @persecuted_by_mods
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Been there lol, I'll have a look

        • Holmes
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Post this before posting your question, higher chance of getting a reply

          1. No Professionals
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            then i'd be lying

      2. mcsteely
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Ignoring Son and rolling a transfer. G2G?

        Mendy,
        Cancelo, Dier, Cresswell
        Salah, Grealish, Gundo, Bruno, Rashford
        Bamford, Antonio

        Bench: Forster, DCL, Targett, Stones

        1. No Professionals
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          yep

        2. Pegboy
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Roll FT

        3. Pompel
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          looks strong, no need for Son

        4. Saka Rice
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Why not Salah to Rashford for next 2/3 fixtures?

      3. Saka Rice
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Salah and Bruno owners, why not do Salah>Rashford for the next two gameweeks? Especially if you still have your WC left you can always bring Salah in later

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          since I dont want to play WC, it feels like a waste of transfers

      4. Neevesy
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Who's everyone captaining this week?

        I'm between Bruno, Son and Antonio

        1. subhojit123
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Leaning towards Antonio

        2. Il Capitano
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Antonio (C) is tempting, would mean effectively 4x WHU players for me though, not sure about that.

          1. Nimby
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            West Ham are good though! Second best team in the league on current form.

            1. Il Capitano
              • 3 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              Point noted! Can't believe Son's probably dropped down to my 3rd choice for captain v WBA though, he was a lock a couple of weeks ago.

        3. Pegboy
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Antonio at the moment; Bruno VC

      5. subhojit123
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Whom should i captain out of -
        1. Antonio
        2. Son

        1. No Professionals
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          1.

        2. Pegboy
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          1

      6. Henning
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        What to do here 1 ft and 3.1 m in bank.
        Wc and tc left.
        Pope in for Areola?

        Martinez
        Stones Dias Justin
        Son Barnes Salah Fernandes Gundogan
        DCL Bamford

        Areola Antonio Dallas Coufal

      7. Pompel
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Fearing a big red arroww this gw, no Son or Antonio, but also need to plan for Burnlet dgw's. Team is :

        Martinez (Areola)
        Cancelo Stones AWB (Coufal Holding)
        Salah Bruno Gundo Grealish Soucek
        DCL Bamford (Deco-Reid)

        1 ft , 6.7m itb

        what should be the priority here:

        A) Get Son (for Grealish or Salah?
        B) Deco.-Reid -> Antonio (Deco-Reid has dgw24 though, but not nailed
        C) Holding -> Mee/Lowton
        D) Areola -> Pope (sideways as Areola got dgw24, but worse fixtures)

        1. NATSTER
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          C

          1. NATSTER
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Think again. B is also having good potential if doing this week, but you will have bench dilemma.

            1. Pompel
              • 10 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              Yeah. Could captain Bruno and hope Antonio stays quiet- which I don't think hew will

      8. wattalowz
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Start 3

        A) RJames (shu)
        B) Dallas (CRY)
        C) Coufal (ful)
        D) Cancelo (liv)

        1. @persecuted_by_mods
            3 years, 1 month ago

            ACD

          • Nimby
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Hmmm probably ABC.

          • Il Capitano
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            ACD

          • wattalowz
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Thanks

        2. AC Yew
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Would you hold Adams for the double gameweek? Thinking to do Adams to Antonio

          1. Nimby
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            One Antonio is better than two Che Adamses.

          2. CRO KLOPP
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            I would hold and he has Newcastle this week. You can get/play Soucek

        3. Davros
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Might be old news but I’ve just noticed that Ben Crellin has confirmed
          DGW24 for MCI, EVE, BUR and FUL
          DGW25 for SOU and LEE

          How is everyone planning for these mini-DGWs ahead of the big DGW26?

          1. CRO KLOPP
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Most off them start with bringing in Burnley defender

            1. Davros
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              That’s what I’m looking at but hard to know who to drop.

              1. CRO KLOPP
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 1 month ago

                2nd GK?

                1. Davros
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 1 month ago

                  True. I think I’d prefer Areola as Fulham could play 9 games in next 7 GWs

                  1. CRO KLOPP
                    • 6 Years
                    3 years, 1 month ago

                    Fair,can you see my team below?

        4. CRO KLOPP
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          1 FT 0.7 itb

          Fabianski
          Dias Stones Coufal Maguire
          Salah Bruno Son Gundo
          Bamford Antonio
          (Martinez DCL Zaha* Mitchell)

          GTG? Save?

        5. Make United Great Again
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Bruno captainers. Where are you?

          1. Davros
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Heaven

            1. Make United Great Again
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              Giving him the armband again this week?

              1. Davros
                • 14 Years
                3 years, 1 month ago

                I wish I’d captained him. Currently on him now but that’s because I don’t have Son

          2. Mighty Wings
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Ay

        6. Jinswick
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Best move here? Planning to 25WC/26BB:

          A) Mitchell -> Mee
          B) Salah -> Son(c)
          C) Save FT
          D) Something else

          DDG
          Cancelo, Bellerin, Coufal
          Salah, Sterling, Bruno, Gundogan
          DCL, Bamford, Watkins

          Forster, Targett, Martinelli, Mitchell
          Bank 2.5m, 1FT, all chips

          1. CRO KLOPP
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            C