When Georginio Wijnaldum moved to Liverpool in 2016, the Reds fans would have thought they are adding more depth and quality to their attacking half of the pitch. However, cut to 2018, and we see him start regularly in the deepest role in the midfield, i.e. the no. 6 role. Wijnaldum even played in that position in big games like in last year’s Champions League semi-finals against AS Roma, when Jurgen Klopp’s squad was struggling with injuries.
The 27-year-old was signed from Newcastle United where he often played as a secondary striker or in the attacking midfielder role. Given the quality which the Reds have currently in the attacking third, Wijnaldum would have struggled to make it in the playing eleven. It is a situation similar to Adam Lallana, who is now struggling to get regular game time at the club since the start of the last season. However, when the going gets tough, the tough get going, and Wijnaldum found a way to fight for his place in a more defensive role.
There have been some critics of his, as he is not often considered as a genuine midfielder and he doesn’t have that killer pass in his game which can unlock defences. However, Jurgen Klopp seems to trust the Dutchman heavily as he is the only midfielder to play every minute in the Premier League for Liverpool this season.
So what sets him apart from the other midfielders. What does Klopp see in him to start him in a role which is not even his natural position? We believe it’s the 27-year-old’s ball retention and work rate that set him apart than other midfielders. Being a forward-minded player, he has quick feet and excellent dribbling skills in close quarters, and that is what gives him an edge over the Milners and the Hendersons. When on the ball, he hardly gives it away as he uses his strength and his dribbling abilities to get out of tight spots. However, he is at times guilty of keeping possession for far too long.
Nevertheless, these unique set of abilities allows Liverpool to have a technician like him in midfield. His work rate is impressive, and he often resembles his former countryman Clarence Seedorf in the sort of job he does in midfield.
From being a contingency plan for the no. 6 role last season, he has become a prefered starter this season and that goes to show how much work he put in the preseason, transforming his game to suit the needs of the side. Not many players have that ability to reinvent themselves as we often see a few complain when they are started in their non-preferred position. So credit to Wijnaldum for being a selfless team-man and showcasing the world his other side of the game. He could very well turn out to be the secret weapon for Klopp in this title race.
