Gini Wijnaldum achieves eye-opening statistic during Netherland’s defeat

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Georginio Wijnaldum translated his excellent form at club level into an assured display for the Netherlands on Sunday.

The Liverpool man played the full 90 minutes as his nation suffered a 2-1 loss to France in their UEFA Nations League clash at the Stade de France.

Wijnaldum was a standout contributor to the Dutch’s ball retention as he contended with Premier League rivals Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante in midfield.

Despite the game ending in defeat, Wijnaldum managed to assert himself as unflinching foundation in front of club teammate Virgil van Dijk.

The 27-year-old recorded a 100% passing accuracy, completing every one of his 36 attempted passes, according to OnsOranje.

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Wijnaldum has starred in a less familiar no.6 role for Liverpool so far this season, often taking the place of skipper Jordan Henderson.

It’s a responsibility he previewed in the goalless Merseyside derby towards the end of last season, when he was trusted as a deep-lying pivot capable of both dictating the tempo of the game and initiating attacks.

The former Newcastle man has built a reputation as Liverpool’s link man in Jurgen Klopp’s bid to implement a swift transition from defence to counterattack.

Recent months have also seen him granted a greater licence to break the lines as midfield support for his front three, as clued in both legs of Liverpool’s semi-final clash against Roma earlier in the year.

Right now, he is offering Liverpool a level of composure and flexibility on the ball that is proving increasingly difficult to dislodge from the starting lineup.

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