So much as been said about Liverpool’s disappointing second half of the season but it hasn’t been all negative.
Georginio Wijnaldum has finally found his place at the club, he has cemented his role in central midfield and presented himself as a man that Jurgen Klopp cannot afford to leave out of his team.
He has moulded into a player just as influential as Adam Lallana in the middle of the park. Not only is he making significant contributions to the team’s attacking play, but he is also carrying out the defensive responsibilities that grant those in the Red the opportunity to go forward.
The gritty and less glamorous side to football is something Wijnaldum hasn’t always been recognised nor praised for but he appears to have defied the suggestion that he is simply a ‘luxury player’.
Speaking to Goal.com, he said: “A lot of people see me differently, a lot didn’t think I could play the way I am now.”
“They thought I was just an attack-minded player, the dribbler or the goalscorer without the discipline to defend and check on the movements of my team-mates.”
“I think I’ve surprised many people because I’m showing I can still make the runs and get goals, but I’m regaining balls, keeping the rhythm in the passing, covering for those around me and getting assists – they’re seeing the complete version of me.”
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He truly is beginning to demonstrate the versatility and the reliability reminiscent of an accomplished Premier League midfielder. At 26-years-old, he is also verging on his best playing years.
His transformation from playing as a winger to becoming a central figure has allowed him to express his attacking qualities as well as his physical attributes when it comes to carrying out his defensive duties.
Continue proving people wrong, Gini.