Former Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino has vowed he "gained something" from his spell with the Reds despite his mixed form at Anfield.
The Japanese international endured a turbulent spell on Merseyside after joining the club from Red Bull Salzburg in January 2020. He could never quite establish himself in the first team and made just 21 starts for Liverpool over two-and-a-half years - only five of those coming in the Premier League.
Minamino received more regular football during a half-season loan spell with Southampton but did not do enough to force himself into contention at Anfield before being sold to Ligue 1 club Monaco in the summer.
Despite that, the 27-year-old firmly believes that his period at Anfield will in the end prove a productive stint in his career. Speaking with Kyodo News, he said: "There've been moments I thought, 'What if I had played constantly during that period?'. I'm striving now to make sure I can say I gained something [from his time at Liverpool]."
Manager Jurgen Klopp has already given his assessment of the Japanese’s time at Anfield. Having been the man to sign him originally, the German has pointed to the forward’s trophy haul - a Premier League, FA Cup and EFL Cup - as prime reasons for him to be labelled as a successful signing.
He was also hugely complimentary of Minamino’s attitude during his spell at Liverpool and even labelled him as a “dream”, whilst he hit out at the assumptions that the forward was a failure.
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Speaking in June, Klopp said: "I’m sure there will be those who think it didn’t quite work out (at Liverpool). Those who think this are wrong. I don’t accept that.
"An amazing professional; super, talented player. As a person, he is full of warmth and makes everyone feel positive. A manager’s dream, to be honest.
"His contribution far outweighs the opportunities we were able to give, in terms of starting matches. He made us better each and every day he was with us - perfect attitude, winner’s mentality. His achievements here will stand the test of time."
Since leaving Anfield, Minamino has scored just one goal in 14 outings for Monaco but suggests he believes he is finally rediscovering his top form ahead of the World Cup.
He continued: "I had lost some of the feeling with the ball at my feet along with confidence, but I'm gradually getting them back and I'll get even better as my physical condition improves."
Minamimo has been named in Japan’s 26-man squad for the World Cup, with the Asian nation set to take on Germany, Costa Rica and Spain in Group E of the upcoming tournament in Qatar.
