Minamino to Liverpool 'the best possible decision' – Szoboszlai

Takumi Minamino in action for Liverpool

Moving to Liverpool was "the best possible decision" for Takumi Minamino, according to his former Salzburg team-mate Dominik Szoboszlai.

Liverpool activated Minamino's surprisingly low £7.25million release clause in December, tying him down to a four-and-a-half-year contract on Merseyside.

The Japan international was an important part of Salzburg's impressive start to 2019-20, scoring one and assisting another at Anfield as they came from 3-0 down to draw level with Liverpool in an October Champions League clash they ended up losing 4-3.

Minamino has made seven appearances since joining Jurgen Klopp's team, only completing the 90 minutes on one occasion.

Szoboszlai has no doubt Minamino made the right choice to head to Liverpool and leave Salzburg after five years.

"I think he took the best possible decision because he is already 25 years old. Maybe this was the last time for him to get such a big chance," Szoboszlai told Stats Perform.

"I would have made the same choice if I was in his position. His last year was absolutely amazing and he also performed well against Liverpool.

"It was only a matter of time for him to get such a chance. They offered him this chance, and he took it.

"I hope that he will stay safe and that he will be able to play and show his talent."

Minamino @ Melwood pic.twitter.com/lD0XqqtLcm

— Liverpool FC (at ) (@LFC) December 31, 2019

News of Minamino's exit was swiftly followed by prolific teenager Erling Haaland leaving Salzburg for Borussia Dortmund.

Haaland made a record-breaking start to his Bundesliga career with BVB, scoring a 23-minute hat-trick on his debut, and he had 12 goals in 11 games in all competitions by the time the season was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Szoboszlai was sorry to see a good friend move on but is proud of the Norway international's performances.

"I still miss him. We are still friends. He will fly to see me if he has the time for it, or the other way around. We have stayed in contact," said Szoboszlai.

"I just hoped that he would have a good start at Dortmund, so he can show them what he is capable of. And yes, he definitely showed it to them."