Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp has praised Takumi Minamino after the Japanese scored two goals in Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Norwich in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.
Minamino has not started a game for Liverpool this season and sustained a thigh injury earlier this month. But he marked his return to action with two well-taken goals to hand Liverpool a win against a strong Norwich side.
The Japan international opened the scoring in the fourth minute before adding another to his tally in the 80th minute.
Speaking after the game, Klopp was full of praise for the 26-year-old, hailing his ‘awareness’, ‘quick mind’ and finishing ability, according to the Dailymail.
“Footballers want to play, that’s clear,” Klopp said during his post-match press conference.
“He was with his national team, got injured and was then not fit. So it was not like he didn’t play for 60 weeks.”
“Taki is in a really good moment. Stuff like this is not always easy, but he has character. I really enjoyed his game tonight. It was important for him and for us.”
“So yes, that will help him and help us. Players need time to get back on track after an injury. He is in a really good moment. He trained really well.”
“He deserved his two goals. His first one was really good awareness, quick in mind and finished the situation off.”
“The second one, I didn’t really see 100 per cent, but his acceleration into the box and his shot in small space was really good. And he was really good in preseason. Nobody has to worry (about Minamino).”
The manager was also impressed with the Liverpool youngsters, most of who were making their competitive debuts, and praised the likes of Kaide Gordon and Conor Bradley.
Speaking about Gordon’s performance, Klopp said: “There are a lot of things to settle and to learn, but there is already a lot of things that are there. We will treat him carefully. I am really happy he is here. He is a really big talent.”
