In game as hectic as a 4-3 win at Anfield against Salzburg in the Champions League with Liverpool initially taking a 3-0 lead sounds, there was at least one calming presence.
Gini Wijnaldum stood out as man who was set on steadying the ship and recycling the ball against the Austrians in the seven-goal thriller.
The Reds took a 3-0 lead, and it appeared as if we may go on to make it five or six, but Salzburg got back into it – and they got right back into it. Thank goodness Mo Salah popped up to make it 4-3 to the Reds.
Wijnaldum has been our saviour in many ways, since joining from Newcastle several years ago, with Barcelona standing out and Sheffield United still fresh in the memory.
And he did the same on Wednesday night, but in a different way. The Dutch international completed 100% of his 43 passes.
Gini Wijnaldum completed 100% of his passes (43/43) vs Salzburg.
Clever and composed in possession again. pic.twitter.com/NdZ5yicGEm
— LFC Stats (@LFCData) October 2, 2019
This statistic doesn’t scream out “wow!”, but that kind of reliability allowed the Reds to calm the game down in the latter stages and seal the deal.
Players like Salah will rightly get the spotlight for scoring the goals, but it’s players in the supporting cast that allow the time and space for these moments.