Why Liverpool should keep hold of Georginio Wijnaldum amidst interest
According to Tuttomercato (h/t Evening Standard), Serie A side Inter Milan are planning to lure Liverpool star Georginio Wijnaldum in the summer.
Wijnaldum, 29, has established himself as one of the first names in Jurgen Klopp’s team sheet since his arrival from Newcastle United in the summer of 2016. He is one of the top midfielders in the Premier League and has been successful at Anfield.
He was one of the main reasons behind the Reds’ Champions League-winning campaign last season as he scored two important goals in their comeback against Barcelona in the semi-finals. He has been of immense help in this season’s league title pursuit.
Jurgen Klopp’s men have been dominant in the league for the past 48 months. After losing the title to Manchester City by one point last season, they are on course to lift their first title at the end of this term for the first time in the modern era.
The Reds are atop the table 25 points clear off second-placed City and their dominance is evident from the distance they have created with the rest of teams. The attacking trio of Sadio Mane, Mohammed Salah and Roberto Frimino have led them brilliantly, scoring 66 goals so far.
In the same way, their defensive unit, led by Netherlands ace Virgil van Dijk, has been top-notch. They have conceded just 21 goals and boast of the best defensive unit in the Premier League. However, their midfield, which does not get the credit it deserves, has been the engine for their success so far.
Jordan Henderson and Wijnaldum have been regulars in the squad and have never failed to keep the team moving forward. While the Reds also have Fabinho, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita, James Milner and Adam Lallana as other options in the middle of the park, the Dutchman has performed consistently and has formed a strong partnership with the English international.
Therefore, if Liverpool are to continue their dominance next campaign, they should keep hold of their best players and Wijnaldum should not be allowed to leave.
At 29, he still has some more years left to play at a higher level and could be a crucial player in Klopp’s squad in the new campaign. The £75k-a-week star has made 508 career appearances and his experience would be required for Liverpool. He has also scored some crucial goals in the past and apart from the attacking trio, the Reds can count on the former Newcastle man for the much-needed goals.
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Verdict
Though Klopp has played Keita, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Lallana on several occasions, it is the 29-year-old Dutchman who has brought stability to the team on a consistent basis. Thus, keeping Wijnaldum in their ranks would be a wise decision by the club.
