Jurgen Klopp applauds Liverpool ace Takumi Minamino after win over Ajax

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Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has heaped praise on attacker Takumi Minamino for his cameo performance in the win over Ajax (BT Sport, via Metro).

The Japanese player was introduced as part of a triple substitution in the second half, which also saw Diogo Jota and Xherdan Shaqiri enter the fray.

Minamino scored twice in an EFL Cup game against Lincoln earlier this season but is still awaiting his first Premier League start during 2020/21.

Klopp signed the versatile forward from Salzburg in January and slowly but surely he is becoming accustomed to the demands of English football.

Following last night’s latest substitute performance, the Liverpool boss applauded the 25-year-old for his display.

He told BT Sport, via Metro: “I really liked the fresh legs we brought on with the three changes up front, that helped.

“You saw they were fresher, they were the hardest working. It’s a bit of a shame that Diogo didn’t score, Shaq was lively and Taki is a machine.

“He’s everywhere, he defends like a devil and then offensively he’s really involved. Nice one-twos together with Diogo on the side where they came into the box.”

Liverpool signed Minamino for just £7.25 million following a string of fine performances in Austria for Salzburg.

He has taken some time to adapt but he could be an important player for the Reds this season.

Desire

His ability to play through the middle or out wide makes him an asset and the fact he can play as a No.10 gives Klopp the option to mix up his formation.

Minamino has 24 caps for his country, scoring 11 goals along the way.

He has proved at his former club and on the international stage that he is capable of chipping in with goals and assists.

Adding those elements to his game at Liverpool on a regular basis must be the next step for Minamino as his career progresses.

Impressing Klopp is half the job though and right now he just needs to add an element of consistency to his game.