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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Ian Doyle

Takumi Minamino makes Liverpool admission after 'intense' Anfield debut

Takumi Minamino admits it will take time to adjust to Liverpool's approach after featuring in "one of the most intense matches" of his career.

Minamino was handed his debut in the 1-0 FA Cup third round win at home to Everton on Sunday after completing his £7.25million move from Red Bull Salzburg.

The 24-year-old replaced Roberto Firmino in leading the Liverpool attack and came close to a goal when glancing wide a Divock Origi cross.

His performance earned praise from boss Jurgen Klopp, who said Minamino was "exactly the player we wished for".

But the Japan international, who was substituted with 20 minutes remaining, is convinced there is much more to come.

"I’m happy that now I’m a part of this team," said Minamino to Japanese reporters.

"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.

Blood Red: Jurgen Klopp hails ‘super, outstanding’ Takumi Minamino debut

"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."

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