Liverpool may regret loaning out Takumi Minamino as the Japan star continues to show exactly what he can do at Southampton.
While the Reds have lost their last three Premier League games, their loanee has scored twice in three Premier League starts for Saints.
AFP
The forward’s latest strike was a sublime effort against Chelsea as he gave Southampton an unlikely lead.
Thomas Tuchel’s men had bossed the occasion before Minamino was slipped in behind – and what followed was exceptional.
The 26-year-old passed up the opportunity to shoot first time with the goal at his mercy, sending Edouard Mendy and Cesar Azpilicueta to the ground with a dummy before rolling the ball into a virtually empty net.
It’s precisely the inspiration Liverpool have lacked in the league, and it’s exactly what we expected when Minamino arrived from RB Salzburg in January 2019.
AFP
But with just one Premier League goal for Liverpool and rare opportunities at Anfield, he’s starting to flourish at St Mary’s and the Reds might want him back.
Speaking on commentary for talkSPORT, West Ham legend Alvin Martin said: “What a goal it is when it comes. Exactly what Chelsea have lacked, Southampton have supplied.
“It’s brilliant from Minamino. Once he was one on one, he was so composed and clinical.
“Outside of his right boot, rolls it into an empty net after putting the goalkeeper on his backside.”
It would’ve been worthy of winning any match but Saints had to settle for a draw with Mason Mount equalising with a penalty just before half time.
Ralph Hasenhuttl hailed Minamino’s efforts but identified an area where he must improve.
The Southampton boss told talkSPORT: “Against the ball, sometimes the closing can be a little bit better and a little bit more aggressive, this is what you have to learn, but I’m happy he’s here.”
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