Jurgen Klopp was pleased with the performances of Takumi Minamino and Xherdan Shaqiri in Liverpool’s 7-2 win over Lincoln City on Thursday.
Minamino was the star of the night as Liverpool strolled to a big victory over Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup.
The Japanese midfielder is yet to fully ease in at Anfield since joining from RB Salzburg. However, he showed glimpses of what is to come perhaps.
Minamino grabbed a goal in the 18th and 46th minutes while also recording an assist for Divock Origi’s goal late in the game.
The 25-year-old was deployed in the no.10 role against Lincoln and fully caught the eye of Jurgen Klopp.
“I loved Taki’s game tonight, to be honest – it was absolutely outstanding and involved in so many situations,” Klopp said post-match as quoted by Goal.
“More and more, I think we all realize where his qualities are. Wherever he will play in the end, he will end up in the center: if he plays on the left wing or the right wing, he will play in the half-spaces or the center because that’s where he has his real strength.
“He looked really well. The opponent had to kick off seven times [after our goals] and the first guy who chased the opponent again when they received the pass was Taki. He set the rhythm for all these pressing and counter-pressing situations, so I really, really liked the game tonight.”
Another player who impressed on the evening for Liverpool was Xherdan Shaqiri. He scored the first goal of the game via a sublime free-kick with his left foot.
With his future at the club still uncertain, the Swiss international put in a display that left Klopp positive about the player’s chances.
“First of all it was a super game; a super game from Shaq in a quite, I’m not sure, unfamiliar position – slightly deeper in midfield,” Klopp said of the Swiss star.
“The set-pieces were outstanding – the free-kick he scored with, what a goal that was!
“There is no doubt about Shaq’s quality, there was never [any doubt] and in the moment everything looks really, really good, it looks promising and we will see.”
Up next for Liverpool is a big test against Arsenal in the Premier League. The duo of Minamino and Shaqiri might not be starters but will no doubt be among the first options to be called upon from the bench.
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