After a tough season last time out, Minamino is currently the only player to register a goal or an assist in each of the first four games of the Ligue 1 Uber Eats season.

"It's something very special," Minamino told the Ligue 1 Show on beIN SPORTS. "Our team has been playing positive football and we're right at the top of the table!"

Alongside Aleksandr Golovin as one of two narrow attacking midfielders behind the main forward, AS Monaco's 28-year-old Japanese star is shining!

"It's my preferred position - the one that gets the best out of me," Minamino smiled. "I have to use to the space that Wissam creates, and that is what I enjoy most. When I'm in that role, I can play freely, and right now it's working a treat!"

So how does he dovetail his game with midfield partner Golovin's?

The moves

"Golo's instructions are different from mine. His role is to move deep to pick up the ball and start attacks," explained the Japan international. "I go out looking for space, I'm constantly thinking about how I can turn a passing sequence into a goal scoring opportunity. As soon as we get the ball back, I immediately look at what shape the opposition defence is in, to see where the space I can exploit is, and then I make my move! It all needs to happen as quickly as possible!"

Minamino doesn't lack for speed in any area, but he also has plenty of determination.

"Then when the moment we lose the ball arrives, I work to win it back, like I am the first defender, either that or I press high, our roles are different in that way," he explained. "Pressing, winning the ball back, that's also my job! Especially in small spaces. For the moment, I'm doing it well and that's a good thing!"

Metamorphosis

The former Liverpool man has been given a new lease on life this term. Under Philippe Clément last season, Minamino played a bit-part role. Now, under Adi Hütter, he is turning into the main man...

"Last season was a difficult one for me," he admitted. "The team wasn't really working well either, and in such conditions, I wasn't able to get the best out of myself. If I had been able to work that out at the time, I would have been able to change things, but not everything was clear, and I have regrets because of that. I'm honest about it. It angers me, but it's also what has pushed me to be playing the way I am today. I want to rid myself of these frustrations this season!"

The arrival of Adi Hütter at the helm provided a chance to re-start from scratch.

'I hope it continues this way'

"When I learned we were changing coach this season, I only wanted to make my place in the starting XI and play to my best level. I want to have a good season with the team," Minamino declared. "The season is long, but so far, it's been working well! We're taking on the coach's instructions and implementing his strategies as quickly as possible. I hope it continues this way."

For Minamino, it's not a first experience working with Hütter.

The Austrian was his first coach in European football, at RB Salzburg nearly ten years ago!

"At the time, I didn't speak German or English," admitted the in-form midfielder. "I was a little shy. I'd just arrived in Europe, a continent I knew very little about. The coach thought I was very shy at the time, but now I can speak to him in English or in German, and these days I'm one of the more experienced players in the team!"

Continental shift

His perceived shyness wasn't the only hurdle Minamino had to clear after making his continental switch.

"I always dreamed of playing football in Europe, as early as I could. It's something that I really wanted!" Minamino recalled. "But when I arrived, there were a lot of difficult things to face up to… but it's been an enriching experience for me. And in hindsight, having played in different countries is amazing. It's been a precious experience!"

Alongside Reims duo Junya Ito and Keito Nakamura, Minamino is one of three Japanese players plying their trade in France this season. Ligue 1 Uber Eats is benefitting from Japan's continued growth into one of football's major forces.

"I'd like to see a lot more Japanese players here in Ligue 1," said Minamino. "If we play better, we will attract more fans in Japan. That would be great!"

No Japanese player has ever been crowned a Ligue 1 Uber Eats champion, but if Minamino can keep up his early-season form, this could be the year that changes!

The Japanese World Cup star will be trying to fire Monaco to another win on Sunday, as Adi Hütter's charges travel to Lorient for their Round 5 clash.