the finally awaited emergence of Takumi Minamino

In the midst of a renaissance on the Rock, Takumi Minamino has established himself today as one of the essential cogs in the Monegasque team. Originally from Izumisano in Japan, he rose through the ranks of football, moving from Cerezo Osaka to Red Bull Salzburg in 2015, where he quickly distinguished himself in the league and the Champions League (199 matches, 64 goals). His performances attracted Liverpool, who recruited him in 2020, making him the first Japanese to play for the Reds. Often a substitute, Minamino nevertheless acquired valuable experience in the Premier League, winning the Championship and the European Cup in the process. In search of playing time, he therefore packs his bags for Monaco 2022.

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Complicated beginnings

Recruited to strengthen the offensive sector, the winger however struggled to establish himself due to strong competition and a slower adaptation than expected. As evidenced by his only goal in 25 games during his first year. This first season below expectations, however, did not call into question his presence in the Monegasque team. His coach decided to reiterate his confidence in him for one more year. A choice he will not regret. More confident, Minamino then had an impressive 2023-2024 season under the colors of ASM.

In 31 matches, the striker scored 9 goals and delivered 6 assists, making it one of his best statistical seasons since the 2016-2017 financial year, when he scored 11 times, for only 2 assists. decisive. Thus quickly becoming essential in the Monegasque system. His speed, his creativity, and above all his skill in the last gesture allowed the Principality club to count on an attacking midfielder capable of directly impacting the results.

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A pillar of Adi Hütter's eleven

After his brilliant 2022-2023 exercise, the player renews this year. Aligned by his coach as a playmaker, winger, or even sometimes as a false number 9, the player always seems to live up to expectations. “ Takumi Minamino is comfortable in Hütter's 4-4-2, he likes his philosophy. The full-backs go up a lot and participate in the game. He can often move into the middle and he loves it », recalls Kayako Kimura, Japanese journalist in the columns of Monaco-Morning.

The Japanese sports magazine, Gekisakaevokes a season perhaps less good statistically, but just as successful. It is true that the player is less decisive in front of goal for the moment (3 goals, 2 assists in 14 matches) but his efforts in the heart of the game are clearly more impactful. Facing Strasbourg (3-1) before the international break in November, he once again showed creativity and intensity, creating a lot of danger thanks to his good movement between the lines.

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For its part, the Japanese daily The Mainichi also notes a successful European start. “ The 29-year-old striker equaled the record for goals scored by a Japanese in the competition with four goals, having already scored two during his time at Red Bull Salzburg in 2019, and thus joined the former Borussia striker Dortmund Shinji Kagawa “, he explains. Enough to leave the player dreaming. Asked about France TV Sport in the show “Le Mag Ligue 1”, the Japanese recently shared his great ambitions with his team: “ I clearly have the image in my head of Monaco champion, it's a kind of requirement. Of course, you have to concentrate on the next match without getting excited. But we must have the ambition to go all the way “. A story to follow.