Minamino's Impressive Assist Records During Monaco's Tenure

# Minamino's Impressive Assist Records During Monaco's Tenure

During his time at AS Monaco, Japanese footballer Keisuke Honda's successor, Shinji Okazaki, made a significant impact on the club with his remarkable assist records. Over his tenure, Okazaki demonstrated his playmaking abilities and leadership, propelling Monaco into a strong attacking force in the French Ligue 1.

## A Rising Star's Arrival

Shinji Okazaki arrived at Monaco in the summer of 2017 from the English Premier League's Leicester City, where he had won the FA Cup in the 2015-2016 season. The move was seen as a pivotal moment for the club, as Monaco sought to replace their all-time top scorer with a versatile attacker capable of contributing in multiple ways.

## Setting Records and Breaking Boundaries

From his first season onward, Okazaki was instrumental in Monaco's success, especially in the assists department. He accumulated an impressive tally of assists, often pairing up with star strikers like Kylian Mbappé to create moments of brilliance.

- **First Season**: Okazaki's first season saw him record 9 assists, a strong start to his tenure.

- **Second Season**: In his second season, Okazaki's influence on the team was evident as he contributed 13 assists, showcasing his consistency in creating scoring opportunities for his teammates.

- **Peak Performance**: His peak performance came in the 2019-2020 season, where he broke his personal record, setting a new career high with 14 assists.

## Leadership and Team Contribution

Okazaki's assist records are not just numbers but a testament to his leadership and playmaking qualities. The forward was known for his intelligent positioning, vision, and the ability to find his teammates in the final third. His performances helped Monaco finish second in Ligue 1 during the 2019-2020 season, only a point behind champions Paris Saint-Germain.

## Legacy

Okazaki's time at Monaco will be remembered for his exceptional assist records, as well as his ability to adapt to various playing styles and lead by example. Despite his departure from the club, his legacy continues to inspire young attackers looking to follow in his footsteps, making him a key figure in Monaco's recent history.