Dean Smith paid tribute to Takumi Minamino and Alisson Becker as Liverpool crept into the FA Cup quarter-finals at Norwich City’s expense, speaking to the Canaries website.
As a much-changed Liverpool side kept their hopes of a quadruple alive on Wednesday night, Jurgen Klopp needed a touch of class at both ends of the pitch.
Two first-half strikes from Klopp’s very own ‘Cup Kid’ Takumi Minamino and a superb save at the death from his ever-reliable £66 million shot-stopper.
Minamino’s second of the tie – and his ninth of a quietly excellent season – was perhaps his best in Liverpool colours. Lashed into the top corner from a tight angle.
But with a brave, belligerent Norwich threatening to cancel out Liverpool’s two-goal lead, the Merseyside giants needed Alisson to be in one of those ‘Thou Shalt not Pass’ sort of moods, the Brazil international tipping a fierce striker from teenager Jonathan Rowe over the bar in the dying minutes.
Can Liverpool win the quadruple?
“We conceded from a set-piece. I thought it was poor, again, from us defensively. But then I have just watched it back and it is a hell of a strike from Minamino,” Smith admits.
“At 2-0, at Anfield, the game can get away from you very quickly. And I was determined that wasn’t to happen. I said it to the players at half-time.
“Alisson has made a hell of a save at 2-1,” Smith adds, via Norfolk Live.
“Jonny Rowe has got a hell of a future ahead of him if he keeps on the same learning path. His attitude and his character tells me that.
“We will keep working with him. And he will keep working hard as well. He’ll get better and better.”
Minamino has now scored more goals this season (nine) than he’s started games (eight).
The Japanese playmaker proved once again that he can be relied upon to step up when Liverpool’s star-studded forwards need of a night off.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
