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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Jake Polden

Takumi Minamino makes admission about Liverpool system after "intense" debut

Takumi Minamino says his Liverpool debut against Everton was one of the most "intense" games he's ever played in - but adds he's not surprised.

The Japanese forward made his first appearance for the Reds following his £7.25million January transfer from Salzburg, before making way for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on 70 minutes.

Minamino revealed Liverpool's style of play was similar Salzburg's but admitted the system was different, and something he has to get used to.

"I'm happy that now I'm a part of this team," said Minamino.

"It was probably one of the most intense matches I've played, but I knew the Premier League would be like that so I wasn't surprised.

Takumi Minamino says his Liverpool debut against Everton was "intense" (PETER POWELL/EPA-EFE/REX)

"The way we press aggressively, the way we press back, the way we use the space between lines is similar to Salzburg.

"But the system is not the same so I have to understand the difference and fit myself into this team. I think this is the best stadium for a footballer. The fans were great and I'm just glad we won."

Liverpool youngster Curtis Jones scored the only goal of the third-round clash, beating Everton shot-stopper Jordan Pickford with a stunning effort.

On the match, Jurgen Klopp said: "I saw a sensationally good performance of a not very experienced team with a lot of players playing for the first time on this kind of stage, in front of this crowd, against the opponent.

The Japanese forward made his first appearance for the Reds on Sunday (Action Images via Reuters)

"It was outstanding. I loved it - I loved each second of this game. If you want to be a Liverpool player, you have to respect the principles of this club.

"We cannot always play the best football in the world but we can fight like nobody else. And as long as we use our principles, we will be a difficult opponent to play against."

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