“Exactly the player we wanted” – Takumi Minamino impresses Jurgen Klopp on Reds debut
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hailed Takumi Minamino’s performance following the Japanese international’s debut during Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Everton.
Klopp made a number of changes to his team against Carlo Ancelotti’s side as he brought in a number of youngsters to give much of the usual first-team a night off.
The boss made a total of nine changes, one being the introduction of Minamino, who officially joined the Reds on Wednesday following a £7.25m move from Salzburg.
Whilst Minamino was unable to cap his debut with a goal or assist, it was a hugely promising display from the forward who showed in glimpses just why the Reds wanted to bring him in.
Speaking after the game, Klopp praised the 24-year-old’s performance, saying: “[He was] super, outstanding. Exactly the player we wanted, exactly the player we wished for.
“Your first game in a team you don’t know, if it’s a settled team it’s already difficult – this team we threw more or less on the pitch with two sessions together.
“But he showed his understanding of the game, his football skills are exceptional. His attitude is outstanding, he led the chasing pack so often in different situations which I loved.
“He didn’t look tired, but because we don’t know him that long we just wanted to save him a little bit, so took him off.
“It was a nice add-on to have Oxlade back, he looked pretty lively when he came on. He trained only one day, two days now, and that’s why he didn’t start. Super.”
Minamino’s arrival is a welcome boost for Klopp, who has had to deal with numerous injuries to his squad over the past six weeks.
It’s easy to see how the former Salzburg star’s style of play will fit in at Liverpool and it will be intriguing to see how he links up with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, and Sadio Mane.
The Reds ran out 1-0 winners against Carlo Ancelotti’s side thanks to a second-half wonder-strike from Curtis Jones, with Liverpool set to find out their fourth-round opponents in Monday night’s draw.
“Exactly the player we wanted” – Takumi Minamino impresses Jurgen Klopp on Reds debut was originally published on LFC Globe. Follow us on Twitter for our latest updates.
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Source: LFC Globe