Georginio Wijnaldum returned to the starting line-up in Liverpool’s win against Tottenham last Saturday, and his impact was evident. Liverpool had been struggling in midfield when the out-of-form Emre Can had been in the side.
Georginio Wijnaldum’s Impact in Liverpool’s Midfield
Can has shown flashes of his quality in his third season at Anfield, but has had a poor 2017. Can playing alongside Jordan Henderson and even Adam Lallana in recent matches hasn’t been a success. The Reds have lacked fluidity and intensity along with the pace and movement of passing that is so integral to how Liverpool play.
Wijnaldum returned against high-flying Tottenham in the late kick-off Saturday, and his effect on the team was apparent, highlighted brilliantly by his excellent through ball assist in behind the Spurs defence for Sadio Mané to chase and score from.
Strengths
The Dutch midfielder made himself know in England last season when he left PSV Eindhoven to be signed by Newcastle United. What has been significant from last season for the Magpies to now for manager Jürgen Klopp’s Reds has been his position change.
Wijnaldum often played the number ten role at St. James’ Park and was the catalyst for Newcastle going forward, finishing the season with 11 goals and five assists.
Meanwhile, the 26-year-old played a slightly deeper midfield role for the Netherlands at a high level. This has been where Wijnaldum is being used by Klopp at Liverpool. He is part of a midfield along with Henderson and Lallana in the 4-3-3 formation, and it’s clear that Liverpool’s strongest starting line-up uses this midfield combination.
The Dutchman has had some notable performances against the big sides, playing what may have been his best game in a Liverpool shirt against Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs side. Additionally, he has scored important goals against the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea in the past two months. So far, he has three goals and four assists at Liverpool.
Beyond these strong individual performances, it is the attributes he brings to the midfield that have put him above Can in the squad pecking order. Firstly, Can so far this season has an 81% pass accuracy, whilst Wijnaldum’s is a superior 88%. In addition, it’s his calmness and composure when he gets the ball in midfield. He can make tackles and press tight on opposing players, as he did so effectively against the likes of Christian Eriksen, Mousa Dembele and Victor Wanyama last Saturday.
The strength he has on the ball adds to his impressive hold-up play at times too. His strength on the ball is a major positive and rarely gives it away when under pressure.
Areas to improve
On the other hand, Wijnaldum has been far from consistent throughout the season. Whilst he has turned up with impressive performances against the top six, it’s the ability to make important contributions in every game, regardless of opponents, that separates the good midfielders from the elite midfielders.
For example, Wijnaldum still holds a bizarre record for only scoring his goals in English football at home. Adding goals away from home in difficult situations is an example of an area where he will need to work on to take the next step.
Similarly, in relation to his goal-scoring, Wijnaldum will need to improve his shooting and clinical finishing. Whilst scoring three goals from a deeper midfield role, he has scored these goals from 36 shots, highlighting his poor conversion rate.
For example, the Dutch international was played through on goal in the dying seconds in the January clash between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford. His weak effort on goal ensured that the points were shared in the match, and that is a prime example of where Wijnaldum should be looking to improve his overall game.
The Last Word
To conclude, it’s fair to say that Georginio Wijnaldum’s effect in the Liverpool midfield has been under-rated throughout the first half of the season. Fans and analysts alike are beginning to recognise his strengths and what he brings to the side.
However, there are still some key areas of Wijnaldum’s game where he will need to improve in order to move into the next tier of quality Premier League midfield players.
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