Takumi Minamino fired Liverpool into the quarter-final of the FA Cup on Wednesday night.
The Japan international netted twice in a 2-1 victory for Liverpool over Norwich City at Anfield.
In doing so, Minamino has ensured that the Reds reached this stage of the competition for the first time under manager Jurgen Klopp which, when you think about it, is incredible.
The 27-year-old attacker was left out of the squad for the Carabao Cup final victory over Chelsea last weekend.
And although the German manager has admitted that Minamino was ‘very disappointed’ by the snub, his performance against the Canaries – which included a thunderous goal – was not him sending a message to the Liverpool boss.
He said after the game: “He was very disappointed [not to be in Carabao Cup final squad]. I haven’t spoken to him. I decided [to pick] other players but that means others miss out. I don’t think that is why he played well tonight, that is not anger or anything.”
Attitude
After being snubbed for the final, despite helping Liverpool reach the showpiece at Wembley, it would’ve been very easy – and frankly understandable – had Minamino struggled to muster the motivation to impress last night.
However, the fact that he scored both of the Reds’ goals is testament to his attitude and determination to impress despite the disappointment of not facing Chelsea last weekend.
Long term, it seems unlikely that the former Salzburg winger has a major future at Anfield, but Wednesday night was evidence that he’ll give 100 percent until his final day.
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