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Why signing Wijnaldum makes perfectly sense. (Thread)I won’t go into great detail, but I will give you some important points to consider - so hopefully everyone can understand.
I initially quickly discarded the idea to sign Wijnaldum. Not because he is a bad player at all, but simply because I didn’t think he would suit Barcelona. But since Koeman is the coach - it’s only fair trying to understand his ideas.
Now it makes perfectly sense.
Now it makes perfectly sense.
Wijnaldum will most likely get a more advanced role in Barcelona, further up the pitch - just like in the Dutch national team. I can however argue that Coutinho can fill that role. That would indeed in my opinion be his best suited position in Barcelona
Griezmann would also be suited for that position, but then we would have to sign a number 9 to occupy the striker position.
I slowly get it. Wijnaldum could potentially be a good player for the depth upfront. He is also versatile to occupy a defensive role - like at Liverpool
I slowly get it. Wijnaldum could potentially be a good player for the depth upfront. He is also versatile to occupy a defensive role - like at Liverpool
Wijnaldum is not known for having the most decorated stats, but he is however a very reliable and versatile player that can bring defensive stability - due to his discipline, physicality, positional awareness, passing accuracy and overall work rate.
At the Dutch National team he has however also proven to a threat further up the pitch. During the Euro qualification:
Wijnaldum has scored 8 goals in 7 matches. It’s obvious that Koeman has used his strength in a more advanced role - to perfection.
Wijnaldum has scored 8 goals in 7 matches. It’s obvious that Koeman has used his strength in a more advanced role - to perfection.
Wijnaldum isn’t just about power and muscles - He is much more than that. He is one of Klopp’s most frequently used player even during their record winning season.
Last season Wijnaldum Liverpool played 37 out of 38 Premier League matches. 35 as a starter and 2 as a substitute
Last season Wijnaldum Liverpool played 37 out of 38 Premier League matches. 35 as a starter and 2 as a substitute
The year before 2018/2019 season he played 35 matches in Premier League. 32 as a starter and 3 as a substitute.
That’s absolutely insane given the intensity and demands of playing, not just for Liverpool but in Premier League in general. He has proven to always be fit.
That’s absolutely insane given the intensity and demands of playing, not just for Liverpool but in Premier League in general. He has proven to always be fit.
Let’s talk about the Dutchman’s passing accuracy. Something that goes very unnoticed. Last season in Premier League his overall passing accuracy was staggering 90.8 %. Something that is very appreciated by Klopp since Liverpool play with a high line with the fullbacks going up.
What Klopp says about Gini:
“It is just so obvious Gini’s importance. It is both directions, small spaces, big spaces, it is hard challenges, fine football, pretty much all of that. Is he the perfect midfielder? From the skillset 100 per cent. He has all the things you need.”
“It is just so obvious Gini’s importance. It is both directions, small spaces, big spaces, it is hard challenges, fine football, pretty much all of that. Is he the perfect midfielder? From the skillset 100 per cent. He has all the things you need.”
Back to Koeman’s idea. It’s being rumored the new Barcelona coach will implement the double pivot at Barca. A position that is by far Frenkie’s absolute favorite position. It’s also clear that the midfield will be based around the Dutchman rather than around Busquets.
Busquets will be handed a more less prominent role according to reliable outlets. It’s also clear that Frenkie and Wijnaldum compliment each other well from what we have seen in the Dutch national team.
These two have proven to work together.
These two have proven to work together.
Another thing to consider. While Coutinho can occupy the more advanced positions - we still don’t know whether he continues at Barcelona - since we need money.
Wijnaldum also brings another aspect to our game compared to the Brazilian. They are two very different profiles.
Wijnaldum also brings another aspect to our game compared to the Brazilian. They are two very different profiles.
I believe we should trust the process and given the rumored price around (15-20) it seems perfectly reasonable given what he can offer to the team. If not as a starter, he can bring depth we lack within our squad.
If he fails - it’s all on Koeman. He requested the player.
If he fails - it’s all on Koeman. He requested the player.
To sum it up. He is one of Klopp’s most used player - even during the record winning season in Premier League. Was also vital during Liverpool’s Champions League campaign. Always available and very reliable with the ball.
Fits perfectly in Koeman’a system and with Frenkie.
Fits perfectly in Koeman’a system and with Frenkie.
