Liverpool: We won’t see Gini Wijnaldum ‘set free’ against Crystal Palace
By David Gate
Liverpool fans are clamoring to see Gini Wijnaldum ‘set free’ after his hat-trick for the Netherlands yesterday but we won’t see it at Crystal Palace.
Gini Wijnaldum had a good night yesterday. He bagged three goals for the Netherlands as they beat Estonia 5-0. The multi-goal performance has Liverpool fans asking to see him ‘set free’ this weekend against Crystal Palace.
The Reds have one of the most exciting forward lines in world football. Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino have terrorized defenses across the continent. But Jurgen Klopp’s side has not had a regular goal scorer from midfield.
All the midfielders have chipped in with goals at various points. But the closest the club have had to a ‘goal scoring’ midfielder since Philippe Coutinho left is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. However, his year-long injury and infrequent selection means the midfield trio has not bee a regular source of goals.
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That is why when fans see Wijnaldum pop off for Holland – he has 7 goals in 6 appearances this season – they wonder why he can’t be employed like that at Anfield.
Many are hoping yesterday’s showing will open Klopp’s eyes to use him in a more advanced role against Palace. But that is looking very unlikely at this point.
Wijnaldum will likely be needed to play his usual, more conservative role with Jordan Henderson recovering from a virus and James Milner lined up to play left back if Andrew Robertson is not ready.
Fabinho played 90 minutes for Brazil last night in Dubai, meaning Klopp won’t risk pushing Gini forward too much at Selhurst Park. If the boss does select a more attacking midfield than usual it will likely be Oxlade-Chamberlain or Naby Keita asked to do that role.
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Gini Wijnaldum will be back in his usual spot; making things happen from deep and keeping the side ticking along. But he has at least given his manager something to think about.