Southampton did not get to enjoy the identical best of Takumi Minamino during his loanword while from Liverpool last season. After impressing against Chelsea and Newcastle, Minamino struggled to impact Saints game across the pillow of the crusade and frequently found himself watching on from the terrace. Despite that, Hasenhuttl was keen to see the Japan international recurrence to Southampton for another temper with talks held with Liverpool over the summer. ultimately, Minamino has stayed on Merseyside with director Jurgen Klopp keen for him to remain as part of his huge squad.

In late weeks he has shown why his bus was so desperate to keep him conclusion by finding the net income against Norwich, Preston and Arsenal – but he is still far from playing ampere regularly as week-in-week-out. Minamino has made just three Premier League appearances indeed far this terminus, leaving fans wondering whether another January lend passing could be right around the corner. It besides comes with Saints struggling for goals from midfield with Mohamed Elyounoussi the merely midfielder to find the web from open play this terminus. But Minamino will not be leaving Liverpool this winter with the fast-approaching african Cup of Nations place to leave a real dent in Klopp ‘s police squad .

Takumi Minamino
( effigy : Getty Images )
Among the title challengers for the Premier League, Liverpool will be the club most affected by the tournament with Sadio Mane, Naby Keita and Mohamed Salah all due to depart for the competition, presenting Klopp with a real dilemma. And Minamino will be central to soothing that trouble by stepping up to replace his ace teammates.

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“ You can see his confidence immediately with how the confidence grew in the last few months and how good a player he is, ” said Klopp. “ I ‘m in truth pleased for him, truly. He will get his minutes, decidedly. ”

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Minamino could besides play a key function against Southampton on Saturday, either by playing against Saints or stepping in against Porto on Wednesday nox and allowing the likes of Salah and Mane to rest. Speaking to HampshireLive about Minamino and his impingement at St Mary ‘s, Hasenhuttl said : “ He was a very lively component in our plot, in the games he played. “ He not only scored fantastic goals but his mentality and his character truly suit into our team. You can see why a club like Liverpool wanted to sign him. ” He added : “ He did a good caper here. We gave him a chance to show up. ”