Jurgen Klopp was delighted with Takumi Minamino last night. Aside from scoring two goals, the 27-year-old was praised for his all-round by game his manager.
Speaking to the press via liverpoolfc.com last night, Klopp spoke about Minamino’s overall contribution.
“He was a constant threat tonight, he was mobile, he was quick. He was technically on an incredibly high level,” said Klopp.
“It was really windy tonight and when you then saw how he controlled the balls when he had to bring down the high balls, that was all really, really, really good.”
Adding the missing piece
Minamino’s technical ability has never really been in question. Anyone who watched the way he played against Liverpool for Salzburg in the Champions League will attest to that.
Klopp himself added to his quotes by admitting that the Japanese’s skills were not a surprise to him. The manager suggested that his player’s on-pitch performance is starting to match those on the training ground.
“I’m not surprised, I know how good he is and tonight he showed it to the public again, which is absolutely great,” said Klopp.
The question has always been whether Minamino can adjust to the physicality of Liverpool’s style of play, as well as the overall game in England.
At times he has looked too lightweight to fully meet the physical demands Klopp asks of his players.
But as seen in him holding off Norwich City defender’s last night, a corner looks to have been turned. If Minamino can continue on this trajectory, he could belatedly prove to be a perfect fit for Liverpool.
Finding his place in the squad
When Liverpool won the Premier League title shortly after Minamino’s arrival at the club, the forward looked a little awkward celebrating with his new teammates.
He joined shortly before the Covid induced shutdown of the league. As Liverpool players celebrated a historic achievement without fans, he could be forgiven for looking sheepish.
It was great, therefore, to see Taki fully involved in the Carabao Cup celebrations on Sunday. He is clearly well settled and well liked within the squad.
This season now represents his first full one as a Liverpool player. It would possibly be unfair to judge him on what came before given the strangeness of circumstances and the fact that he spent half of last season away on loan.
With nine goals already in 2021/22, he looks almost certain to get into double figures by May.
Many clubs spend huge sums on players who don’t get anywhere close to that number.
With every passing game, signing Minamino for just £7.25m is looking like more and more of a Michael Edwards masterstroke.
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