Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino has found the net whilst away on international duty with Japan.
The 27-year-old was reportedly wanted by Leeds United and AS Monaco during the final week of the transfer window with the former believed to be most interested.
Now that the deadline has passed, the Reds can look forward to Minamino returning and joining Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota, Divock, Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and new signing Luis Diaz in the attacking department.
Before heading back to Merseyside, the former Red Bull Salzburg ace has netted a superb goal for Japan against Saudi Arabia.
🧐 Junya Ito with the vision
🧠 Yuya Osako with the awareness
💥 Takumi Minamino with the goal!#AsianQualifiers | #JPNvKSA pic.twitter.com/lN8F5slK5o— #AsianCup2023 (@afcasiancup) February 1, 2022
The cooly taken finish was Minamino’s 16th goal in 36 caps at the senior level and saw Japan stay at the summit of Group F in the Asian Cup.
So far this season the versatile forward has scored six times and provided one assist in 18 appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
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This goal rather sums up the Japanese ace’s quality in high-pressure situations.
Whilst many will be critical of Minamino’s spell at Anfield, there can be little doubting an ability to make smart decisions when called upon.
This strike and an impressive international break overall should see the £10.8million valued man return full of confidence and hopefully ready to play a part in the business end of the season.
