Opinion: Takumi Minamino was the star for heavily rotated Liverpool side

Dan ClubbeDan Clubbe· Updated
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Opinion: Takumi Minamino was the star for heavily rotated Liverpool side

Liverpool maintained their ambitious quadruple hopes with qualification for the FA Cup quarter-finals thanks to a 2-1 victory over Norwich City at Anfield. 

Following the success of lifting the Carabao Cup at Wembley, this tie had the potential to be somewhat after the Lord Mayor’s show. 

However, Jurgen Klopp made 10 changes to the lineup to ensure those involved were fresh and hungry to make an impact. 

As the game materialised, it became apparent that this was an opportunity that Takumi Minamino in particular was determined not to let pass him by. 

The 27-year-old earned an impressive 8.40 Sofascore rating for a performance including one key pass, 67 touches and most importantly, two goals. 

After the match, Klopp described the Japanese international’s display as the ‘complete performance’. 

Overall, Minamino has now scored seven times and provided one assist in 21 appearances this season.

Here’s how we rate those involved…

READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT

XI: Alisson 7; James Milner 7, Ibrahima Konate 7, Joe Gomez 6, Kostas Tsimikas 7; Jordan Henderson 7, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain 5, Curtis Jones 8; Takumi Minamino 9, Diogo Jota 7, Divock Origi 7.  

Subs: Harvey Elliott 6, Tyler Morton 6, Luis Diaz 7, Sadio Mane 6. 

Albeit ultimately only a 45-minute cameo from Curtis Jones, the attacking midfielder showed what he is capable of in that first half. 

Thankfully, Klopp confirmed that the injury was not serious and the 21-year-old may have given the German boss an extra headache ahead of the visitor of West Ham. 

Keep an out for the FA Cup as the Reds’ go in search of yet more history…

Freelance content writer for snack media. Liverpool fan, cricketer and eternal optimist.

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