Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has hailed Takumi Minamino as an “outstanding talent” following his brace in the EFL Cup against Norwich City.
The Japan international was trusted from the first whistle at Carrow Road and repaid Klopp’s faith in him within four minutes with the game’s opening goal, and he wrapped up the 3-0 win in the dying embers after Divock Origi got in on the act.
Minamino has struggled to force his way into the attacking third on a regular basis over Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, but Klopp is a huge fan of the 26-year-old nonetheless.
Speaking to the media during his pre-match press conference, Klopp said: “Taki is an outstanding, outstanding talent. Everything was difficult when he joined and you need to get used to the Premier League.
“It helped massively going to Southampton and he came back a different player and a different package. Players need time. He used that time, and that is good.”
The Liverpool boss also provided a team news update ahead of the clash with Brentford, but there was less than positive news on the condition of Thiago Alcantara.
