Danny Murphy labelled Liverpool loanee Takumi Minamino as ‘very intelligent’ during Southampton’s 2-1 defeat against Brighton on Sunday.
The TV pundit told Match of the Day Live on BBC One that the Liverpool man was causing Brighton ‘problems’ in the first half and seems to be ‘enjoying his football’ away from Anfield.
Whilst Minamino looked lively during the early exchanges for the Saints, he was subbed in the second half as be started to become quieter in the game.
Murphy touched upon Minamino deciding to go out on loan and how it was ‘very hard’ for him to break into Liverpool’s front three.
“He’s causing them problems,” said Murphy. “Very intelligent player. He keeps sneaking in off that left-hand side. He is getting into some really dangerous positions, Minamino.
“He never really got a run of games, to be honest. Very hard to get a place in that Liverpool side with the front players they have got.
“But he seems to be enjoying his football here.”
When Minamino initially moved to St Mary’s on-loan in January, it was met with an element of surprise because Liverpool’s forward line wasn’t exactly firing.
But it seems as though the right call was made because Diogo Jota has returned from injury to bulk up Liverpool’s forward line and Minamino is benefiting from the much-needed minutes.
Whilst the versatile attacker started in a bright fashion for Southampton yesterday, he did have less impact as the game wore on, which is why it’s useful that he is out on loan.
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