The UCL group stage fixture between Liverpool and Red Bull Salzburg at Anfield on 3rd October 2019 proved to be pivotal in the signing of Takumi Minamino. The Japanese forward impressed the Anfield faithfuls with his stellar display of swift attacks and quick feet, evident in Klopp’s reaction to his goal. This monumental rise of his in securing a place for himself in the prestigious ranks of the European champions is not without his skill and effort, and the rigorous routine to such dynamic growth. Here, I intend to intimate the readers with the career of Minamino from his time at Cerezo Osaka to his transfer to Liverpool, with The Reds finding a bargain in him.
Minamino’s exciting footballing career can be traced back to 2002 when Japan co-hosted the world cup with South Korea. Then, a seven-year-old kid, he often watched videos of his idol Ronaldo Nazario and tried to emulate his feints on the streets. Moreover, his father put down cones in the car park for his brother and him to dribble past them at top speed, rendering his present-day lethal dribbling attributes.
He was born on 16 January 1995 in Izumisano, Japan and began his senior career with the J. League club Cerezo Osaka in 2012 and in his first season there, he was named J. League Rookie of the Year. He made 62 appearances and scored seven goals for the club. Also, whilst his stay in Cerezo Academy Shinji Kagawa was in the first team and they often trained together.
In 2014, he moved to Red Bull Salzburg in Austria where he spent four successful seasons. He made his European debut in 2015 against Villarreal in the Europa League. The 2017-18 season proved to be a successful year for the club as they reached the semi-finals in the Europa League, marking it as their highest finish ever in European competitions. Furthermore, in the same year, Minamino scored his first-ever hat-trick in a 5-2 win against Rosenburg in a Europa League group stage fixture. In total, Minamino scored 64 goals and bagged 44 assists in 199 career games for Salzburg.
Minamino made his senior international debut in 2015 and established himself in the Japanese national team. He scored his first Asian Cup goal in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup final against Qatar, but suffered a narrow loss. He has 22 appearances and 11 goals in his name and is now tipped to become the face of Japanese football.
All these accolades are much due to his sharp skills and the conviction to adjust and excel in several positions. He primarily plays as an attacking midfielder but can accommodate himself across the midfield and also on the wings. The style of play he practices renders him the capacity to get out of tight situations. Minamino finds himself the most effective in the final third where he uses his quick feet and Ronaldo-ish feints to deceive the defenders and provide with a lethal pass to the striker. Also, his diminutive figure and low centre of gravity enables him to dribble past the defenders easily without losing his footing.
In Salzburg, then manager Marco Ross often used a 4-1-2-1-2 formation with a narrow midfield and Minamino served as the link between the defenders and the forwards. In this way he took the role of a deep-lying forward who links up play and also finds himself to be a major attacking threat. Moreover, his determined resolve to track back and provide with cover to his fellow defenders adds to his dynamic nature. In short, it can be said Minamino is a clever, quick and versatile player who certainly can make an impact.
Thus, it comes as no surprise that Liverpool have secured his services and is understood to have signed a four and a half year’s contract. Here, it is evident that Liverpool have continued with their shrewd business in signing players much due to the workings of Michael Edwards, the sporting director of the club. Edwards made sure Liverpool get their hands on Minamino by activating his mere £7.25 million release clause, which is ridiculous when you read the current trend in the inflated transfer market. It appears Minamino’s value would’ve easily been £20-25 million given he has already won five Austrian Football Bundesliga and showcases a vast experience in European competitions. Moreover, Christopher Freund, Red Bull Salzburg’s sporting director commended Minamino’s character and talent— “In Takumi, we are losing a fantastic person and great player, with whom we had a very successful five years with many highlights”.
Therefore, many understand Minamino to be a good player, someone who’ll only grow under Klopp’s guidance and it has apparently become clear by the latter’s remark— “Takumi is a fast, very clever player who can always find space between the lines. He is brave with and without the ball. A true team player. He always tries to get the best out of his play to support others”. However, only time will tell what becomes of him yet, many wouldn’t hesitate to bet on his success in Liverpool.
