The Netherlands beat Belarus 4-0 last night and two of our boys were on the scoresheet – Georginio Wijnaldum swept it past the ‘keeper inside the box, while Virgil Van Dijk nodded in the fourth.
Wijnaldum, in particular, had Reds fans singing his praises and not just for finding the target; he was a commanding presence all night and earned the penalty that Memphis Depay converted.
2-0 #Wijnaldum GOAL!!!! #Nederland pic.twitter.com/mNz0Wt9mKT
— Fletcher (@fletcher_xo) March 21, 2019
Us Reds fans were obviously made up to see the two Dutchmen scoring, but Gini smashing one home has an extra resonance.
Gini Wijnaldum making prime Frank Lampard esque late runs in to the box >
pic.twitter.com/duhZ11mSX8— RF9 🇧🇷 (@SambaRole) March 21, 2019
Before arriving at Liverpool, Gini’s time at Newcastle saw him playing in a more attacking midfield role netting 11 goals in his one season there.
In contrast, Klopp has used his athleticism and stamina to establish him as more of an anchoring midfield threat (with the occasional bursts forward, of course). We love Gini, but he needs to let loose and score a few more goals.
When you see Gini Wijnaldum scoring goals and winning penalties instead of playing 5 yard sideways passes on the halfway line pic.twitter.com/fTvzvGN25T
— James (@jamesftbI) March 21, 2019
This is a bit harsh to be fair, but it does show that fans want him to the two goals he’s scored this season for Liverpool.
It’s quite clear that Gini Wijnaldum isn’t a bad player, he’s obviously being told to play more conservatively for Liverpool. Can’t see why he isn’t given the freedom he’s given for Holland for us,especially when playing alongside two defensively minded midfielders.
— James (@jamesftbI) March 21, 2019
That’s more like it, James! Jürgen needs a collective, ball-winning effort in the middle of the park to release it out wide to our full-backs or to send it up to Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah to play through the lines.
If only he doesn’t have to cover for our fullback all the time. Our Fullbacks play more advanced than some of our midfilders. Whiles when he’s playing for Holland, he has the licence to get into the box more.
— The Wijnaldum Role (@BeniKlopp) March 21, 2019
When is Gini Wijnaldum gonna bring the goal threat he has for the Netherlands in a Liverpool shirt 🤣🤣
I know his role is different for us, but when he does find himself in a scoring position he doesnt seem to have the ruthlessness he does for his country#LFC #NEDBLR
— Dan LFC (@Dan19LFC) March 21, 2019
Again, harsh but maybe true. That goal he scored against Bournemouth was absolutely sublime though. Gini’s tactical responsibilty at Liverpool, in a midfield three, forces him into that “workhorse” label where he’s winning the ball.
Wijnaldum has consistently been one of Liverpool’s best players this season and people are out here questioning his ability I’m a red shirt because he scored a goal in an orange one? #InternationalBreakAmnesia
— GoalMouthFC (@GooalMouth) March 21, 2019
For the Netherlands, Gini is essentially playing in a central attacking midfield role alongside Steven Bergwijn and Ryan Babel. Basically, he’s playing in Roberto Firmino’s position behind Salah when we play a 4-2-3-1!
Maybe his performances will turn Klopp’s head, but the German has his plans for Wijnaldum.