Cole says Minamino has ‘found a home’ at Southampton after 2nd goal in 3 games

Joe Cole says Takumi Minamino has ‘found a home’ at Southampton after scoring his second goal in three games since arriving on loan.

The Japanese star joined the Saints on deadline day after struggling for game-time at Liverpool.

And Minamino has already scored more leagues goal for the South coast club than he had at Liverpool, since the Reds signed him in January 2020.

Minamino opened the scoring after running onto a lovely through ball by Nathan Redmond, before sitting down Edouard Mendy and Cesar Azpilicueta before tucking home.

BT Sport pundit Cole said: ‘Minamino recognises there’s an inch of space and it’s all about the quality of pass from (Nathan) Redmond into him and his finish is exquisite.

‘This is what we should have seen from a Liverpool player. He’s here, he’s found a home and it’s a great finish.’

The 26-year-old joined Liverpool in January 2020, after impressing against Jurgen Klopp’s side for RB Salzburg in that season’s Champions League.

However he made just two league starts for the Reds this season, scoring his first league goal in his last outing for Jurgen Klopp’s side during a 7-0 victory over Crystal Palace in December.

Minamino’s goal against Chelsea comes after he scored on his debut for the Saints in a 3-2 defeat against Newcastle.

Now on six goals in all competitions this season, fans have questioned why Liverpool let Minamino go over Divock Origi.

The Belgian striker has just one goal in the Carabao Cup this season, in 15 appearances mostly coming off the bench.

Boland98 tweeted: ‘Why we let Minamino go on loan baffles me,’ while FavelaFlair added: ‘I’ll never understand why Liverpool got rid of Minamino instead of Oirigi. Very strange decision.’

Joe Hughes commented: ‘The fact that Divock Origi was above Minamino in the pecking order at Liverpool is mind blowing.’

Footballsbante1 posted a video of someone on ArsenalFanTV with their head in the heads with the caption: ‘Me trying to figure out why liverpool sold Ings, loaned out Minamino but still managed to keep Origi.’

Social media users also made light of the current bad form Liverpool find themselves in, as well as Thiago’s struggles since joining the Reds.

Singhness tweeted: ‘Liverpool need goals but Klopp ships Minamino to Southampton to score goals.’

Jeho commented: ‘Minamino >>> Thiago I’m afraid’ while UtdAyush added: ‘Minamino at Liverpool would’ve done a better job than Thiago is doing currently at Liverpool just saying.’

Source: m.allfootballapp.com