From THAT game against Barcelona to the thunderbolt to secure Liverpool’s qualification back into the Champions League in the first place, Georginio Wijnaldum has more than cemented his Liverpool legacy at Anfield.
The Dutchman was one of the first pieces of transfer genius from Jurgen Klopp, who poached him from a relegated Newcastle United side. And since that signing, neither Liverpool nor Wijnaldum have looked back.
With his contract coming to an end in the summer and a move reportedly imminent, Wijnaldum will be one of few players able to leave Anfield with his legacy and love from the fans intact.
Georginio Wijnaldum Liverpool Legacy Will Remain Intact
Arrived an Underdog, Set to Leave as a Champion
Eyebrows were raised when Georginio Wijnaldum or, as he is known around Merseyside these days, Gini Wijnaldum, secured a move away from the Newcastle woes and into the grateful arms of a Klopp hug. Liverpool’s ambitions were also questioned.
How can they expect to return to the top by signing the relegated Dutchman, many asked. One season later, that question was answered as he thumped home the goal to ensure Liverpool’s return to the Champions League.
Not to be a one-season wonder, a year later, when another big goal was needed, he stepped up yet again. This time it came against Roma in the Champions League semi-final. The goal sent the Reds to their first Champions League final since 2005.
In the end, it was a final to forget as Gareth Bale’s overhead kick handed Real Madrid the victory. But significant progress was made. In the space of two seasons, Wijnaldum had arrived alongside others to take Liverpool from mid-table to the Champions League final.
Jurgen Klopp plucked him from a season in the Championship and turned him into Liverpool’s grafting, scrapping, big-game scoring midfielder and the glue which made the mentality monsters stick. And it’s fair to say, Klopp’s choice paid off.
A Brace to Remember
By 2019, Georginio Wijnaldum had secured his tag as Liverpool’s big-game player. It became an expectancy that as a big game arrived, the goalscoring boots of Wijnaldum would take to the pitch.
He had done it against Manchester City, Middlesbrough and Roma. But it doesn’t get any bigger than Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final.
Liverpool had done the impossible in the past. They defeated AC Milan over a decade prior in the final itself despite falling three goals down at half-time. It was a midfielder they turned to that day to begin the comeback in Istanbul. And the game at Anfield in 2019 was no different.
Subbed on at halftime with two goals needed to level the score, Wijnaldum entered the pitch, goalscoring boots laced up with the comeback in his mind. Mission impossible was on. 11 minutes later, it had been completed via a Georginio Wijnaldum brace. It was the biggest of games and, in turn, the Dutchman produced the biggest of goals.
One corner taken quickly in the 79th minute secured a famous victory for Liverpool to send them to another Champions League final. This time, they made no mistake- dispatching Tottenham Hotspur to finally lift number six.
And that will be what Wijnaldum is remembered for the most. That is why, no matter what, the Kop will always sing his name. Last season saw him lift the Premier League, Club World Cup and Super Cup on top of the aforementioned Champions League the season before.
He will always be a part of the best Liverpool side the Premier League has seen.
Liverpool Could Have Internal Georginio Wijnaldum Replacement
Replacing Georginio Wijnaldum will be no easy task, as it looks like Liverpool will need to do this summer, but they may not need to delve deep into the transfer market to find one. Instead, they may already have the ideal replacement lined up in Curtis Jones.
The academy graduate has risen amid a crisis at Liverpool this season to cement his place in the squad. He has goals in the Champions League, standout performances to note in the Premier League and has so much room to grow further.
He won’t need to be thrown into the deep end right away, either, with Thiago Alcantara, Naby Keita, Fabinho and Jordan Henderson all competing for a place. Crucially, however, Jurgen Klopp will know that behind all of that, he has a ready-made Wijnaldum replacement should he need him.
Jones has the opportunity to replace the Dutchman but also exceed his legacy. In truth, the youngster provides a different threat to Wijnaldum. He takes to the spotlight more often rather than mopping up behind the scenes.
With the likes of Thiago, it begs the question as to whether Liverpool will need a player like Wijnaldum. Instead, Jurgen Klopp may prefer a creator such as Jones, a ball carrier and creator from midfield, rather than a neat and tidy, defensively astute midfielder.
A Tough Personality to Replace
The positivity often glistening from the smile of Georginio Wijnaldum represents his attitude and character to keep on fighting, no matter the circumstance. And that’s what Liverpool will miss the most.
His big game goals will be remembered, but his presence in the dressing room would have lifted the side the most. He has always been Mr Reliable. Whilst many have fallen through injury, Wijnaldum’s engine hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down.
In his absence, others will need to step up. Naby Keita, especially, must remain fit. The same applies to Thiago Alcantara. Another leader must emerge.
If reports of his exit are to be believed, he’ll be missed, but his legacy will remain. When the name ‘Georginio Wijnaldum’ is said, his departure will not spring to mind. Instead, THAT game against Barcelona will.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
