Former Liverpool and Premier League benchwarmer Takumi Minamino is in perhaps the form of his life at Monaco – something he puts down to a new role at the Ligue 1 giants.
After a difficult debut season in the Principality, the £13 million signing from Liverpool is undoubtedly making up for that now, exploding out of the blocks since the appointment of Adi Hutter as Niko Kovac’s replacement.
In Monaco’s first four Ligue 1 games of the new campaign, Takumi Minamino has no fewer than six goal contributions. He’s set up his team-mates on three occasions, while netting three times on his own already.
“Last season was a difficult one for me,” the Japan international tells the Ligue 1 website.
“The team wasn’t really working well either, and in such conditions, I wasn’t able to get the best out of myself. I have regrets because of that. I’m honest about it. It angers me, but it’s also what has pushed me to be playing the way I am today. I want to rid myself of these frustrations this season!”
Former Liverpool ace Takumi Minamino is shining
Minamino is certainly channelling all that ‘frustration’ in the right way; rediscovering the ruthlessness that earned him that move to Liverpool in the first place after making his name alongside a certain Erling Haaland at Red Bull Salzburg.
And the one-time Southampton loanee believes he is reaping the benefits of being utilised in his favoured attacking midfield role, having spent much of last term closer to the touchline.
“It’s my preferred position. The one that gets the best out of me,” Minamino beams, his outstanding form alongside Wissam Ben Yedder and Aleksandr Golovin guiding Monaco to top spot with 10 points out of 12.
“I have to use to the space that Wissam creates, and that is what I enjoy most. When I’m in that role, I can play freely, and right now it’s working a treat!
“It’s something very special. Our team has been playing positive football and we’re right at the top of the table!”
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