Liverpool skipper loves two teammates: Emre’s ‘a cracking lad’ & Gini ‘lights up the room’

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It’s good to know that Liverpool’s players get along with one another!

Jordan Henderson has taken time to praise his two central midfield partners Emre Can and Gini Wijnaldum.

With Adam Lallana so excellent to the left of the captain this season, the German and Dutchman have been effectively competing for the position to the right, but with Lallana injured, both started last time out against Southampton.

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Can was predominantly used as a holding midfielder last term, but has been used in more of a box-to-box role this season – as has Wijnaldum – who played on the flanks primarily for Newcastle in 2015/16.

“Emre’s a cracking lad with a brilliant attitude,” the skipper wrote in today’s programme, cited by the Echo. “What a talent as well. I think we forget sometimes just how young he is, because he acts and plays with such maturity. He’s still only 22 years old and I have to pinch myself to believe he was only 20 when he first joined us. I’m looking forward to his next 100 games for us and the next 100 after that hopefully as well.

“And sticking with the midfielders’ union it would be wrong not to mention Gini Wijnaldum, who celebrated his 26th birthday before we played Southampton. I’m sure that, being ex-Newcastle, the Sunderland fans will give him plenty of grief today, but at the risk of not being able to show my face next time I go home, I have to say what a great addition he has been to this club.

“He lights up the room when he walks in and his performances on the pitch speak for themselves. Everyone thinks the world of Gini and it’s great to see he has settled so quickly and already feels right at home in Liverpool.”

Can provides more robustness and more physicality centrally, but Wijnaldum is better positionally and is probably more consistent as well. Right now, they’re neck and neck with many fans divided over who should start when everyone is fit.

What’s certain is both will play a very big role in Klopp’s squad in the coming years.

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