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Takumi Minamino’s performances of late have shown that he is ready to prove his worth, while a first goal for Liverpool was a reward for his difficult time so far.
That’s the opinion of Jurgen Klopp, who saw his 18th net in the draw at Wembley in Community Shield on Saturday.
It wasn’t enough for the Reds to seal another piece of silver, but their impact from the bench, the first strike for the Reds and the well-hit penalty were positive moments for Minamino who, the boss said after the game, is now playing at the expected level. .
While it is not easy to break into a title-winning team, the Japanese forward is showing his ability to deliver something different in the final third and his hit could be a key moment in his Anfield career.
“It was great for him and great for us because it was the only thing missing since he’s been with us,” Klopp told reporters.
“He did not score a goal [before], but he had situations and was close in many moments. That helped, of course.
“The shape he’s in is obviously good, I think everyone could see when he came in. So the goal is more or less the logical step after performing at the level he is doing now, especially in the preseason. “
Klopp explained in more detail exactly where Minamino can make a big impact for the Reds, noting his excellent technical ability in tight areas and his quick-thinking approach in the final third.
Without tying the Japanese forward to a specific role, it’s pretty clear how and when the boss will seek to use him.
The Reds manager also pointed out that Minamino has had an introduction to life in England like few before him, barely having time to settle in the squad before separating from everyone and everything due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“He can have an impact, that’s why we hired him. That is easy to say. I don’t want to put, after one or two really good performances in the preseason, massive pressure on his shoulders that is not absolutely necessary.
“We have a good soccer team and it is difficult to get into the team anyway. But he is a player who really serves us, let me put it that way.
“It wasn’t just today’s goal. He’s in the middle, he’s really good in small spaces, his first touch is exceptional, then his decision making between the lines is really quick. That helps too.
“So yeah, he can be a real player for us, that was always clear. He entered the most difficult period of all of our lives, I would say, and had to adjust to different things, being alone in England in the confinement and all that. That is not pleasant at all. But he handled it very well because he is a super professional.
“So I’m very happy for him that he was able to score the goal today and that’s another big step for him.”
Klopp wasn’t the only one to notice that Minamino has taken steps forward.
His level of performance even at the end of last season was improving, even if opportunities on the field were sporadic.
At the start of the preseason now, his work pace and touch have been even more apparent, as Virgil van Dijk noted.
“I think Taki has been very good. After the lockdown, he was the Taki we all saw when we played him in Salzburg.
“He is very, very energetic and he is a fantastic player. It’s good for him to come out of his shell and also for us. “
The Reds really lacked attacking alternatives last season. Outside of the three forwards, it was only Divock Origi, who scored six times, then it was midfielders like Gini Wijnaldum and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who provided more push from deep.
Minamino has the potential to be a player right between those two lines of the field, both in terms of his positioning and his goal count, someone who can be a regular contributor and a vital addition this season.
