It’s fair to say Gini Wijnaldum passed his audition as a no.6 today…
With Jordan Henderson suspended midweek for the Manchester City tie and Emre Can injured, the Dutchman is going to have to protect our defence, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner either side.
SEE MORE:
Wijnaldum gives brutally honest opinion on defensive role for Liverpool
Today, Wijnaldum played deep in midfield, but protected possession brilliantly and won the ball back a few times too.
Overall, it was a fairly stagnant show from the team, but that was to be expected with much bigger fish to fry on Tuesday.
Wijnaldum’s outing was a real positive, especially as it came in a big game away from home, something he’s often accused of not having in the locker.
Plenty of Liverpool fans noticed as much on Twitter.
If he can play like that at the Etihad, we’d be very grateful!
Wijnaldum has played well as the deep pivot. Dress rehearsal for Tuesday.
— Red (@TaintlessRed) April 7, 2018
Gini Wijnaldum has been very good and composed in that midfield that half, and its an away game 👀 #LFC
— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) April 7, 2018
I prefer Wijnaldum in a deeper role because I don't think he's got a final ball. But he's really good in tight areas and at laying the ball off. Enjoyed his performance a lot today.
— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) April 7, 2018
Gini Wijnaldum wins the man of the match.
Yep, away from home!!
— Ben Webb (@BenWebbLFC) April 7, 2018
Today's Positives:
– No injury scares ahead of City
– Karius keeps another clean sheet
– Good opportunity to give 2nd tier players game time
– Wijnaldum turns up away from home#LFC #TheLFCPoll— The LFC Poll (@TheLFCPoll) April 7, 2018
Gini Wijnaldum is one of the best players in football to utilize his physique for his benefit and protect the ball with his body. Often amazed to see how good at it he is and how smart he uses it to either screen away an opponent or to screen off someone to get passed them
— Maxi (@MaaxiAngelo) April 6, 2018
https://twitter.com/SimplyKeita/status/982609675756634112
Me hearing Gini Wijnaldum won the MOTM in a Away game pic.twitter.com/9yn5PYN8Z9
— Jåčk🇩🇿🇦🇸🇦🇩 (@GucciMxne19) April 7, 2018
https://twitter.com/JoeYNWA7/status/982629633672671232