Liverpool: Jurgen Klopp could sign the perfect Wijnaldum replacement
By Bence Bocsak
Liverpool should target the ideal like-for-like replacement.
The rumours started with faint whispers. At first it was nothing to look at. Contract negotiations can often drag on and on. However as Gini Wijnaldum entered the final year of his deal with the Reds, things have started to look more and more uncertain.
The Dutchman looks almost certain to leave Anfield next summer upon the expiry of his contract. And while the Reds are well stocked in the midfield department, especially thanks to the emergence of Curtis Jones, Jurgen Klopp may look to add further cover.
Especially considering the intense schedule which is expected to continue next season and the season after in part due to the pandemic and the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
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Wijnaldum’s industrious nature, and versatile ability is often overlooked in the Reds’ team. While the Dutchman can be a frustrating player going forward, defensively and in terms of his pressing he is a key cog to Jurgen Klopp’s system.
Georginio Wijnaldum will inadvertently leave a void. His absence might be alleviated by the presence of Thiago, but the Spaniard is more of a creative force and does not provide the same defensive cover as Wijnaldum.
The perfect replacement for the Dutchman might be lurking in the Bundesliga.
Konrad Laimer who started his career at Red Bull Salzburg before working his way to RB Leipzig could be the ideal replacement for Wijnaldum.
The 23 years old was one of the highest pressers in the Champions League next season highlighting his ability to play in Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool system.
He is also an excellent ball-winner and can dribbler past his opponents when needed. Konrad Laimer is not necessarily Leipzig’s primary creative force but he does tend to channel his passes forward and penetrate opposition defences.
One of Laimer’s best assets is his ability to play in multiple roles. At Leipzig he has already played as a full-back, holding midfielder and as a left and right midfielder, aside from his customary central midfield role.
His versatility will suit Liverpool, where Klopp often interchanges his system and versatile players thrive under the German. Take James Milner as an example.
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Do you think Konrad Laimer would be a good replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum?