Takumi Minamino’s goal for Liverpool last night took him past Manchester City’s £100m man Jack Grealish for goal contributions this season.
Despite playing just 186 minutes of Premier League football, it was Minamino’s third goal of the league season. A further four goals and an assist in the Carabao Cup and three goals in the FA Cup have bolstered his tally.
That means he has more goal contributions than Grealish, who has managed 10 in all competitions.
Quite a remarkable stat that demonstrates just how valuable Minamino has been to Liverpool’s quadruple push
Taki sends a reminder
Liverpool fans may have needed a reminder of Taki’s abilities as a footballer. Last night at St. Mary’s was his first start for the club since March 2nd.
He scored two goals on that day. It was a performance that Klopp called his best in a Liverpool shirt. But the Japanese was then left out for over two months.
Without his sharpness and quality in-front of goal, Liverpool would surely not have won both domestic cups this season. If they want to keep that kind of dominance alive next season, then Minamino simply has to stay.
The perfect squad player
If the 27-year-old is happy with his role in the squad, there is absolutely no reason to move Minamino along.
Divock Origi already looks certain to leave the club at the end of the season. Although Liverpool are well-stocked in forward areas, the futures of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane are in some doubt.
Should Minamino depart too, there would suddenly look like a dearth of options for Jurgen Klopp.
Of course he isn’t going to be a starter, that’s clear. But he has shown that he will get goals when he is called upon. What squad doesn’t need a player who can score a Premier League goal every 62 minutes, as Taki has done this season.
If Liverpool were to sell him, they’d likely double the £7.25m they paid for him in January 2020. With money coming in from the Champions League run and various trophy wins, this shoudn’t be significant enough to let such a handy player leave.
A lot will depend on Minamino’s own expectations. Few players join a club to sit around on the bench. Taki is obviously appreciated by teammates and the manager, though. If he stays, expect to see Liverpool’s Carabao King carry them to more domestic finals next season.
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