JURGEN Klopp has claimed a Saints loan has helped turn Takumi Minamino into “a different package” after the winger returned to Anfield.
The Japanese international joined Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side on loan on January’s transfer deadline day and went on to play ten times in the Premier League, scoring twice.
Minamino, 26, failed to make a huge impact but was playing in a side that struggled, continuing to collapse down the league table in a second-half of the season that harboured just one clean sheet.
Now, the former Red Bull Salzburg man is looking to force his way into Hlopp’s plans with a brace midweek during an EFL Cup tie at Norwich.
The strikes are his first Liverpool goals since January, where he netted in the FA Cup against Aston Villa.
Speaking during his pre-Brentford press conference, Klopp said: “
Taki (Minamino) is an outstanding talent. Obviously, he came in when everything was difficult. We had no supporters in the stadium.
“It helped massively that he went to Southampton and he's a different package now.”
He added: “Players need time. We just don't give them enough.”
An enquiry was reportedly made by Saints to bring back the Japanese for a second loan spell, with Hasenhuttl interest, but any prospective move failed to get off the ground.
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