Takumi Minamino compares Merseyside derby to other games he has played in

Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino believes the intensity of the Merseyside derby is arguably far greater than any other football match he has ever played in.

The Reds triggered Minamino’s £7.25 million release clause last month, which meant he officially joined the club from Salzburg on January 1.

The FA Cup Merseyside derby at Anfield was the first game Minamino was eligible to feature in as a Liverpool player, which is arguably one of the more difficult fixtures to make your debut in.

However, Minamino stood up and showed why the Reds went to the effort to sign the Japan international.

After Liverpool’s 1-0 victory, Minamino stated that it was “probably” the most intense fixture he has ever played in.

“I’m happy that now I’m a part of this team,” Minamino told Japanese reporters after the match.

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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 05: Takumi Minamino of Liverpool looks on during the FA Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on January 05, 2020 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

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“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.

“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.”

The biggest talking point from the game was obviously Curtis Jones’ second-half strike, but the fact Minamino was able to perform in such a difficult fixture on his debut shows he has the mental capacity to deal with the pressure of playing for Liverpool.

Throughout the game, it was noticeable that Minamino has the flexibility as a player to play anywhere in the frontline. Going by the derby, the Japan international looks a player that will flourish at Anfield when given the opportunity.

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Source: anfieldhq.com