There’s a Takumi Minamino regen and Liverpool HAVE to sign him

Takumi Minamino has a regen and Liverpool absolutely have to sign him in the future.

The Japanese international was a cult figure at Anfield. Minamino may never have been a starter under Jurgen Klopp but he was a valuable player.

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He'd be particularly useful in the cups, playing a big role in the Reds securing one League Cup title whilst he was at the club.

Minamino of course won other accolades but his performances in those cup ties, stepping up for the Reds' experienced players is what has cemented his status as a cult icon.

On his day, he was a brilliant player who worked his socks off on the ball and who was very technically gifted. He's proven his quality for AS Monaco since leaving Liverpool, becoming a key player for the French side.

And scoring important goals in Ligue 1 and in the Champions League as well.

At 30-years-old, he has enjoyed an accomplished career and now there's someone looking to take on the mantle from the former Liverpool star.

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His name is Sota Kitano and he has just signed for Red Bull Salzburg. Interestingly, just like Minamino, Kitano has come through the ranks at Cerezo Osaka.

And just like Minamino, Kitano has made the step to Salzburg at 20-years-old.

Their underlying numbers are around the same as well. Minamino averaged 0.40 goal contributions per 90 minutes at Cerezo Osaka, meanwhile Kitano has averaged 0.44 goal contributions per 90 minutes.

Speaking about who his influences are to Salzburg's official YouTube channel, Kitano named Minamino as the player he is most like.

"Players I see similarities with? Not many, actually. If at all, then players like Minamino. It's just that I admired him and followed his games," Kitano said.

Kitano has the potential to be even better than Minamino. Interestingly, SciSports lists Dominik Szoboszlai as a player who has a 99% similarity to the Japanese youth international.

That's probably because of Kitano's high defensive work-rate and his creativity. The 20-year-old thrives in tight spaces and finding his teammates.

He ranks in third place among attacking midfielders for progressive passes (5 per 90 minutes) in the J.League this season.

He also ranks in third place for successful defensive actions (6.45 per 90 minutes).

At Salzburg, Kitano will have the chance to follow in the footsteps of Minamino and Szoboszlai. If he catches the eye and makes the step-up, then there's every chance he could end-up at Liverpool.

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Over the last few years, there's been a clear pathway for Red Bull talent to make it to Anfield. Perhaps in five years time, Kitano could be the next and follow Minamino's steps in exactly the same way.