"A complete performance" - Jurgen Klopp full of praise for Takumi Minamino

Takumi Minamino had one of his best games in a Liverpool shirt yesterday and Jurgen Klopp praised the Japanese international after the match.

Even though Norwich made the final 10 minutes nervy for Liverpool, the fifth round of the FA Cup was a fairly straight forward game.

Thanks to Minamino, the Reds cruised through to the quarter-finals of the competition and the idea of a potential quadruple still lives on.

Speaking after the game, as cited by Anfield Watch, Jurgen Klopp praised the 27-year-old's performance and said it might be one of his best performances for Liverpool.

"His best game so far? Maybe," said Klopp. "He looked extremely sharp and showed all the things he knows he has in him. A complete performance. It was top-class.

"Taki joined in a tough time - coronavirus - no fans when he came back, it's not always easy to come in and out of the team but his character is top class.

"Taki, it was obvious with the two goals but he also had top football moments. He was mobile, quick and technically he was incredible. All really good. I am not surprised but he showed the public tonight."

The German also spoke about if there was a chance that Minamino could've left Anfield in January due to limited minutes.

"Was there a chance Taki could have left? No," said Klopp. "We didn't think about it. I don't think he did. So no.

"He was a constant threat tonight. He was mobile, he was quick, he was technically on a high level. It was all really good. I am not surprised, I know how good he is and tonight he showed it."

Klopp also addressed the fact that Taki did not play in the Carabao Cup final, despite being Liverpool's top goalscorer in the competition.

"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," said Klopp.

"It is just the situation. The players just have to keep working. A player of Liverpool Football Club is actually the best place you can be but you have to deal with situations you maybe don't have anywhere else."

Anfield Watch Verdict

This was most likely Taki's best performance in a Liverpool shirt since he signed for the Reds.

He took both of his goals really well, especially his second which was reminiscent of a classic Mohamed Salah finish.

The Japanese international looks to have reinvented his game over the past month, putting on more muscle, becoming a lot more direct and lethal in front of goal.

Hopefully, his form continues as you always need good squad options within your side.