Five areas Liverpool could improve in 2021

2: Sign it Gini!

To quote Arsenal fans begging Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – ‘Sign da ting’.

Gini Wijnaldum has yet again proved how crucial he is to this Liverpool team this season (unlike Aubameyang) with his consistency and availability, which, believe me, has been vital in a campaign in which players drop like flies.

He’s featured in all 14 Premier League matches, playing 90 minutes in 86% of those. He also played 368 minutes in the UEFA Champions League group stage, and the only times he hasn’t been involved were against FC Midtjylland (on the bench), and Lincoln City (not in squad).

The rumours are that Gini wants a four-year contract. At 30, that is much more of a risk on paper than it is in reality.

His gymnastic background, alongside his role in the team, has allowed Gini to prosper in Jurgen Klopp’s system as the engine – which is the role the likes of James Milner, who is likely to either leave Anfield or retire soon, has played. But it differs from the role Wijnaldum plays in his national team, so it begs the question. Does he want that more regularly?

If so, he will likely move on. But the grass isn’t always greener.