'Super, outstanding' - Klopp's verdict on Minamino's LFC debut

Jürgen Klopp delivered a glowing appraisal of Takumi Minamino’s performance after the new signing made his Liverpool debut in Sunday’s FA Cup victory over Everton.

The forward, recruited from Red Bull Salzburg upon the opening of the January transfer window, made his first appearance for the Reds after being named in the starting line-up for the 1-0 win over the Blues.

Minamino produced a lively maiden display in attack before being replaced by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after 70 minutes.

Asked for his verdict on the Japan international’s performance, Klopp told his post-match press conference: “Super, outstanding. Exactly the player we wanted, exactly the player we wished for.

“Your first game in a team you don’t know, if it’s a settled team it’s already difficult – this team we threw more or less on the pitch with two sessions together. And then showing this kind of game understanding, football skills are exceptional, attitude is outstanding, led the chasing pack so often in different situations, which I loved.

“He didn’t look tired, but because we don’t know him that long we just wanted to save him a little bit, so took him off. It was a nice add-on to have Oxlade back, he looked pretty lively when he came on. He trained only one day, two days now, and that’s why he didn’t start. Super."