Huge crowds gather during early hours in Japan for Minamino's Liverpool debut

On Sunday as new boy Takumi Minamino emerged from the Anfield tunnel wearing the all red of Liverpool for the first time, thousands were glued to their screens in his native Japan to watch their compatriot turn out against Everton in the FA Cup.

It was 1am in Tokyo, as fans of the official Liverpool supporters club gathered at a pub called Epilogue in Shibuya. Many of whom had to be up early for work the next day, but nobody was going to miss a minute of this Merseyside derby with Minamino taking to the field for the first time.

Over 5,800 miles from Anfield Road, fans - many proudly wearing Minamino 18 replica shirts - let out cheers of joy and excitement every time the 24-year-old from Osaka touched the ball or appeared on their screens.

Here's Liverpool Echo's Interview with a fan:

- What was the atmosphere like in Japan seeing Minamino make his debut?

- Among us Liverpool fans, it is really fantastic as you can see in the videos. Usually never such a huge crowd would gather at 1:00 AM, first day back in the office after the New Year break. It's crazy!

- What was it like seeing Takumi in a Liverpool shirt?

- Every single appearance at Liverpool's training ground Melwood or changing room makes us happy and excited because we have been watching those spaces for a long time as the place for Liverpool's star players. And now I'm such places, there is a young Japanese player! We strongly wish his success. This feeling we have may be close to the feeling of parents I think.

- How do you think Minamino performed against Everton?

- I think it was good for his debut, and hope local fans feel the same.

[Harvey] Elliott and [Curtis] Jones may have left much stronger impressions at that match but Minamino played as he usually does. He doesn't care about pressure, both mentally and physically. That is his strength. Even though it was one of the most traditional derby matches in England football history.

He rushed to the ball, and he when in possession, he controlled and created a good tempo particularly with his passing. It takes time to fit to Jurgen Klopp's team so please be patient. I have confidence of his success.