Close
AS Monaco App 26 February 2024, 21:06

A hero in added time, Takumi Minamino is your MVP in Lens!

A hero in added time, Takumi Minamino is your MVP in Lens!
Scorer of the winning goal at the start of added time and the origin of the second goal, the Japanese international was elected MVP of the Rouge et Blanc's win against Lens.

He was elected MVP almost unanimously. Collecting more than 89% of the votes on the AS Monaco App, Takumi Minamino was therefore seen as the player of the match by the Monegasque supporters after a hard-fought win in Lens (2-3). It must be said that it was difficult to see otherwise after the performance achieved by a player who started in a hybrid role on the right. It was an unprecedented position which led to him being nicknamed Cafu by Aleksandr Golovin after the match.

Honestly, he had an incredible match, delivering a great performance! With his two goals, he helped us a lot, and he also did a great defensive job to relieve us. It’s truly a huge performance from him.
Denis ZakariaOn the play of 'Taki'

All over the field

Racking up the miles from start to finish, he was indeed simply everywhere. Whether in defense where he notably made three recoveries and won four of his duels, but also and above all in attack where number 18 brought danger, like a shot blocked by the opposing defense in the tenth minute.

It was a first chance then before proving decisive twenty minutes later, when he was on the lookout after a shot from Wissam Ben Yedder. His cross in front of goal was in fact put into his own goal by Brice Samba to make it 2-0 in favor of AS Monaco (30′).

I wanted to help as an offensive player with a goal or an assist, I scored and so I'm very happy to help the team. I believed in us until the end, I told myself that we would have chances and I wanted to take my chance, I wanted to score, I am very happy about it.
Takumi MinaminoAfter the match on Prime Video

Finding the top corner

Pegged back by a tough Lensois, our Rouge et Blanc would then rely on the Japanese international, who would win a penalty after a bad tackle by thehosts’ goalkeeper (79th). Even if it was not converted, he would continue to repeat his efforts until the end.

We then were in the second minute of added time when he was found on the right by Wilfried Singo. Entering the penalty area, Taki’ finds himself facing Facundo Medina whom he turned, before finding shooting with his left foot. Without hesitation, he sent a powerful shot which lodged itself into the top corner, offering victory to his team.

MVP for the fourth time

A goalscorer for the sixth time in the league, he has now become Monaco’s second top scorer of the season, level with Aleksandr Golovin behind Captain’ Wiss, and his 11 goals. Elected MVP, this is the fourth time he has been so honored after Strasbourg, Nantes and Paris, finishin well ahead of Radoslaw Majecki, who made eight saves (3,5%), and Golo’ (2,8%). Bravo Taki’ ! 👏

*Download the AS Monaco App for all of the latest! (Google Play and Apple Store)


🏆 MVP 2023-2024 Recap

Second half: