Takumi Minamino scored for Japan on Tuesday, one day after a big decision on his Liverpool future. The 27-year-old struck first in a 2-0 win.
Takumi Minamino grabbed a goal for Japan on Tuesday as his country saw out a 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia. It’s a win that puts them just one point behind their opponents in World Cup qualifying.
It’s his 17th international goal in 37 games – a fine record for the playmaker. It also comes one day after he reportedly made a big decision on his Liverpool future.
Reports linked Minamino with a move away on deadline day but he apparently decided to stay. Goal journalist Neil Jones claimed that the player wanted to remain at Anfield, with the Telegraph’s Mike McGrath going into more detail.
“Takumi Minamino update: player believes he can contribute to Liverpool this season despite January arrivals,” wrote McGrath.
“He will concentrate on Japan’s important game tomorrow v Saudi Arabia and then fighting for place in Liverpool team. Subject of Leeds United enquiry this month.”
Takumi Minamino remains with Liverpool
It’s a brave decision from Minamino, in truth. He only has 87 Premier League minutes this season as it is and now Luis Diaz has arrived to bring more elite competition.
Is he going to get serious game-time, then? We’re not sure he will but it’s hard to criticise a player for backing himself like this. Minamino refuses to give up on his Liverpool future and that’s commendable – even if it’s all a very big ask.
But he has gotten off to the best possible start. One day after his final decision, Minamino is scoring a goal for his country in a World Cup qualifier. And in truth, he’s got goals consistently this season.
The forward has two goals in those 87 minutes and another four in the League Cup. If he can keep producing like this – for club and country – he might just force his way to semi-regular football.
It’s a massive ask, of course, but Minamino is doing all he can.
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