Many Liverpool fans have taken to Twitter to slam Gini Wijnaldum for his performance in their side’s 1-0 win over Sheffield United on Saturday lunchtime.
The Dutchman scored a fortunate winner when his volley from the edge of the box squirmed through Dean Henderson’s grasp, but for the most part, he struggled to make a real impact on the match.
The 28-year-old started in a midfield three alongside Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, but put in a laboured display in the engine room in a game that often felt like a real slog for the European champions.
The extent to which they struggled to create agains the newly-promoted Blades was made evident by reliable reporter James Pearce, who tweeted shortly before half time to point out that Jurgen Klopp’s men had had 74% possession without forcing United keeper Henderson into a single save.
And many fans felt that the dreary nature of the display was rooted in a poor midfield showing, of which Wijnaldum was identified as a major culprit.
Here are some of the best tweets from supporters.
Lol I swear I still don’t understand Wijnaldum’s purpose sometimes, seems pretty useless most times ?
— Loyalty (@mutantXIII) September 28, 2019
Hendo and Wijnaldum look like a pair of donkeys today
— AntonLFC (@AntonGBR) September 28, 2019
https://twitter.com/Aneeshlfc13/status/1177918668723740672?s=20
At the moment, it feels as if there are two Gini Wijnaldums, as addressed by popular fan outlet The Anfield Wrap.
When he wears the red of Liverpool, he is often chastised as a no-good workhorse, lacking a spark or any kind of creative inclination.
When he wears the orange of the Netherlands, however, it feels as if he is a free-scoring creative behemoth.
To an extent, those perceptions are true.
So far this season, his shot accuracy for Liverpool has been 33.3%, whereas for his nation it has been 83.3%, as per Wyscout.
That difference is seismic, but it’s also just the tip of the iceberg. For his country he has managed 2.89 touches in the opposition box and 0.96 progressive runs, but those number slump to 1.29 and 0.43 respectively at club level.
In that sense, you can understand why Kopites feel a little shortchanged.
And Wijnaldum with some utter garbage as well
— j u (@udiyavar) September 28, 2019
Wijnaldum is the worst player I’ve watched play for this club
— Babatope (@SixSenor) September 28, 2019
The reality is, however, that he is asked to play in a different role by Jurgen Klopp that requires him to show more restraint.
The Netherlands often play Wijnaldum as a number 10, in behind Memphis Depay, who himself is hardly a conventional centre forward.
That affords the Kop ace more opportunities to support his teammate in attacking areas, whereas for the Reds, he is expected to occupy a deeper position designed to provide a passing foundation on which the talents of Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino can build.
And in fairness to Wijnaldum, he fulfils that role brilliantly.
So far this season, he has a pass completion rate of 94%, with an accuracy of 97.4% when those balls are being played into the final third.
He may not always be the most dazzling Liverpool player, but he is vital to what this side does.
Wijnaldum has been anonymous, I think we could see Oxlade-Chamberlain early I. The second half to try to break the lines
— Matt (@brocky74) September 28, 2019
https://twitter.com/kikihillario/status/1177918607227019264?s=20