Takumi Minamino could have a huge impact on Liverpool FC’s fortunes in the coming seasons, expressed the Reds’ manager Jurgen Klopp following his side’s 2-1 defeat to Arsenal in the FA Community Shield on Saturday.
During the game’s proceedings, Minamino’s one-two with Mohammad Salah led to the former having a clear chance at goal which he tucked past Arsenal goalkeeper Emi Martinez with ease to level the game and score his first goal in the Liverpool FC shirt.
Since arriving at Anfield earlier this year in January, the 25-year old forward did not have the most enjoyable of spells in front of the goal. However, at his former club RB Salzburg, Minamino had a terrific goalscoring record to his name that had led many Reds’ supporters to question Klopp’s intent of signing the Japan international.
However, the Liverpool FC boss was upbeat about Minamino’s future run of form in the first-team squad after the Arsenal game, with Klopp stating that the attacker was only missing his name on the scoresheet despite a number of good performances.
“It was big for him and big for us because it was the only thing he lacked since he is with us.”
“He can have an impact, that’s why we signed him. That’s easily said. I don’t want to put, after one or two really good performances in the pre-season, massive pressure on his shoulders that there’s absolutely no need for.”
“It was not only the goal today. He is in between, he is really good in small spaces, his first touch is exceptional, then his decision-making between the lines is really quick. That helps as well.”
