However, Minamino underwhelmed in his first season in Ligue 1. He scored just one goal as he flitted in and out of the Monaco side in what was a disappointing campaign on an individual and collective level. “It is always difficult when you change leagues and country, you have to adapt, to learn the culture,” said Minamino ahead of Friday’s match against Nantes. 

Minamino’s difficulties in adapting to what he describes as a “tough, physical league” impacted his international standing too. Formerly a stalwart in the Samurai Blue’s attack, he lost his place in the starting eleven ahead of the World Cup. “The Japanese team played really well in the World Cup, but I didn’t play much. I also missed a penalty and we lost in RO16 and this was very hard for me,” he said. 

His return from Qatar did not signal a change in fortunes as he finished the Ligue 1 season with one goal and four assists to his name, however, he retained hope of turning things around at the Principality club. “I feel that it was a difficult season for me, but I always believed in myself,” said Minamino. 

The club continued to believe in him too. Internally, there were hopes that after a season of adaptation, he would bounce back, and his form in the opening two rounds of the Ligue 1 season has proven those hopes weren’t based on blind faith, but were rather well-founded. 

Under Adi Hütter, a manager with whom he worked during his teenage years at RB Salzburg, Minamino has refound himself on the Riviera. The duo’s renewed collaboration is not trivial in Minamino’s return to form. “He knew my style, maybe that helped him to feel better,” hypothesised Hütter, who added, “But the fact he was a former player of mine doesn’t explain everything.”

The reconstruction of his confidence began in pre-season, during which he registered promising performances, whilst building his physical level also provided the basis upon which to flourish. “He is in a much better condition,” said Hütter. 

With a first full-preason with the Monégasques under his belt, Minamino has hit the ground running. Deployed in his most comfortable position behind the striker, Minamino has already doubled his goal tally from the last campaign. The promise he showed against Clermont on the opening weekend, during which he set up Vanderson for Monaco’s equaliser, was backed up against Strasbourg. 

His long-range strike to open the scoring was the kind of finish he wouldn’t have even attempted just a few months ago, never mind actually succeed in pulling off. Brimming with confidence he quickly doubled his account for the day, and in doing so, beat his goal tally from last season in just one half of football. 

For Minamino, scoring his first goals at the Stade Louis II represented a “special moment,” however, as he looks to build on his significant uptick in form, he hasn’t lost sight of the collective objectives. “It’s too early to speak about the title. I think we have a good team, but I know it’s difficult to win it. We will do everything to do it though,” he said. The season is yet young, but there are already signs that the reborn Minamino could be central to any collective success at the Principality club this campaign. 

>> Nantes-Monaco preview: Minamino eyeing Champions League

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