In a recent report, Calciomercato has claimed that Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum is gathering interest from Barcelona and Inter Milan. It is understood that the Reds midfield ace has got less than a year remaining on his current contract at Anfield with Barca and Inter both willing to get him on board at the end of this campaign (via Calciomercato).
Wijnaldum’s Impressive Form At Anfield This Season
Wijnaldum is having another strong season at Merseyside as he has been a mainstay in Jurgen Klopp’s midfield over the past few months. The Dutch midfield ace has participated in 13 matches for the Premier League champions this term, picking up one yellow card in multiple competitions.
The 30-year-old has given a good account of himself by averaging 1.1 tackles, 0.6 interceptions, 1.1 shots, 0.5 key passes and 0.9 dribbles per game in the English top-flight. He has even interchanged possession well with his teammates at the centre of the park after completing 92% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
The Rotterdam-born midfield enforcer has still not reached an agreement with Liverpool over a new deal, so it is no surprise that Barca and Inter are both hoping to snap him up next summer. The 62-time Netherlands international is currently playing at his peak, but he is gradually edging closer towards the twilight years of his playing career.
What Does The Dutch International Offer On The Field?
Wijnaldum is a multi-purpose midfielder as he can contribute by doing a bit of everything at the centre of the park. He excels at retaining possession for the Reds in midfield and can make some driving runs with the ball in the opposition half.
The Dutch sensation doesn’t score too many goals and is not the most inventive player in the Liverpool squad. However, his work-rate is second to none which makes him such an integral member of Klopp’s starting XI.
Why The Reds Need To Keep Hold Of Wijnaldum Beyond Next Summer
Wijnaldum has done remarkably well to keep hold of his first-team place despite facing heavy competition from Naby Keita, Thiago Alcantara, Curtis Jones and James Milner. His ever-present stay in Klopp’s first XI has also been helped by the fact that a lot of Liverpool midfielders are currently missing in action due to injury.
Based on Wijnaldum’s excellent form over the past 18 months, it is only logical for the Merseyside giants to retain his services by offering him a new contract. However, with less than a year remaining on his current deal, Klopp is running out of time if he intends to convince the Dutch workhorse into penning a new contract to extend his stay at Anfield beyond the end of this campaign.
