Klopp must keep playing new Liverpool midfield trio

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp experimented with a new midfield trio against Red Star Belgrade and it worked exceptionally well.

Xherdan Shaqiri, Gini Wijnaldum and Fabinho combined to propel the Reds to a 4-0 win against the Serbians. These are players that have never been selected together, and each has very contrasting styles to the others – which lead fans to question how the changes Klopp implemented would work out.

After the game, Liverpool fans had no more to worry about. The midfield looked like a well oiled machine, built for our new attacking but conservative style of play.

Big Shaq filled in the role of the creator, in more of a number ten role, playing directly behind the front three. The Swiss winger played this role perfectly, reminding many fans about Phil Coutinho’s time with the Reds.

Gini played as the controller in the midfield pack, never giving the ball up, and forcing the press constantly.

I am not so sure that the Dutchman ever stopped moving throughout the game, as he was always trying to win the ball back and play the ball in for our own attackers. His dribbling was also sensational, sending a couple Red Star players out of their shoes on this little half turn fake that should be called the ‘Gini’.

The last midfielder, Fabinho also played a stellar game. He was the enforcer of the team, and won a game high nine tackles. The Brazilian might be the second strongest on the team now next to Virgil van Dijk, and his presence was felt by the Anfield faithful.

These three players together create the perfect combination of attack, control, and defense which is exactly why Klopp must keep playing them together.

Against Cardiff, Wijnaldum and Fabinho combined perfectly in central midfield, while Shaqiri changed the game when he replaced Adam Lallana after 60 minutes. With Arsenal being the next game after, it will be good to see if we can trust those three to go out and put on a show and bring home some important points.

Klopp knows just as much as everyone that for a unit to become very good, they must get minutes together.

The German has implemented this with the front three, the back line, and the midfield in last year’s Champions’s League run. When the Reds had a big game, everybody knew who was starting, because it was a clear choice.

The same situation can be possible if Jurgen keeps playing with this brilliant midfield.